Virtute.org

I started to write this post over a month ago when Isaac turned 17, but I quickly discovered that I needed more information if I truly wanted to compose a good description of who he is at age 17. Isaac has been working on developing a variety of technical computer skills which I don’t fully understand, but I will do my best to define them in a more meaningful way.

Isaac has been interested in computer languages and coding for many years. He considers himself fluent in C#, Javascript, Python, CSS, DOS, Jquery, and ArduCode. He knows some C++, but does not consider himself fluent in C++. He uses his knowledge of computer languages to program robotics, build his website, and design computer programs. He is always trying to find useful applications for his programming skills. He has invested many hours into writing a computer program that uses a simple webcam to allow you to control your computer using hand gestures instead of a mouse. He also programmed a “hexagonal tower defense game that is 5X harder than rectangular because of the math involved.” He has programed smaller things like a calculator with graphing functions, a dice game with high score and save system, and a card game with high score and save system.

He wants to involve technology in everything he does, which is why his first objective after getting his license was to design and program an android auto system for use in the car.

He got his license last summer and has been driving for the past year without incident. He has enjoyed the freedom of being able to drive himself to and from school and other things and appreciates the use of a car that he hasn’t had to share.

He is working on a personal website where he can collect some of his projects. He has worked hard to make his website load quickly and be difficult to hack. Isaac created the Orbit Simulation on his website which is an interactive simulation that uses principles of physics to predict what would happen if you added a planet with different masses into the simulation. The other simulations on his site were not his creations, but were modified by Isaac to work well on his website.

As you can see if you clicked on any of those links in the previous paragraph, Isaac has had a keen interest in space. He’s particularly a fan of Elon Musk and SpaceX, but he pays close attention to anything new in the world of rocket science and space exploration. He started playing a game called Kerbal Space Program in elementary school which peaked his interest in orbital mechanics and rocket science. He kicked off his last summer before graduation with a trip down to Florida to see a rocket launch and explore NASA with his dad.

Isaac enjoys listening to music. His current favorite bands are U2, The Cure, Guns n’ Roses, Foo Fighters, and Pink Floyd. His favorite songs are Beautiful Day by U2, Walk by Foo Fighters, On The Turning Away by Pink Floyd, and Just Like Heaven by The Cure. He also says that listening to heavy metal helps him think when he needs to concentrate on something, but I don’t quite understand how that works.

He participated in the marching band through his Junior year, but missed many of the experiences that were discontinued because of COVID. He decided to continue to play the French Horn in the advanced Wind Symphony, but not participate in marching band for his senior year. The graduation of many of his marching band friends was a significant factor in his decision not to continue marching band for another year.

Isaac successfully completed AP Calculus and AP Physics this year. He passed both exams, but got an impressive 5 on his AP Physics test. He will take AP Statistics and AP Chemistry his senior year and be a TA for the computer programming class.

Isaac is an appreciator of food. He’s always up for trying new things and really enjoys eating out. When treating himself, Taco Bell and Burger King are his favorites. It’s sometimes nice to have a kid who will eat just about anything to balance out the children who are excessively picky.

I asked for a list of his favorite YouTubers and he gave me the following list:

–Mentor Pilot about the world of aviation including descriptions of procedures and hints on how to access the industry

–TIK which describes it’s content as detailed and super-accurate World War 2 documentaries

Sub Brief about cold war submarine history

Scott Manley who creates videos about orbital mechanics and rocket science

Veritasium which is about science, math and education

Minute Physics which describes it’s content as “cool physics and other sweet science”

Computerphile which is “about computers and computer stuff”

Numberphile about numbers and math

Jim Browning who tracks and identifies scammers and hackers and explains how legal scams work

Walter Lewin who posts his MIT physics lectures and help sessions

Matt Lowne who makes videos about Kerbal Space Program and Space updates

James Brunton a former toy designer and electrical and mechanical engineer similar to those at eicr glasgow, creates videos about inventions and robots.

Isaac is a big fan of cats. He enjoys their companionship, but also finds them incredibly entertaining. He thrills to find them doing ridiculous things or sleeping in a weird place. I’m fairly certain that the majority of pictures on his phone are cat related as he’s always quick to pull out his phone when he sees them doing something funny.

Isaac did go on his first date this year and took a girl to the prom. Both experiences were nerve-wracking for him, but totally worth it. I’m sure he’s hoping his senior year will include a lot less covid related restrictions and a lot more dating opportunities.

Isaac is serving as the first assistant in the priest quorum at church. He takes his church responsibilities very seriously and makes a point to arrive early so that he can help out or set up.

Isaac is a very kind and helpful brother and son who helps all his siblings with their computer issues. He will play games with them, or help host games for their friends. He enjoys solving technical issues for grandparents or helping run the church broadcasts during covid. He genuinely tries to always do what’s right and I am fortunate to be his mother. Here is what I wrote about him last year