This story and video captured my attention for a couple of reasons. One, I'm a huge proponent of education and learning – especially for our youth. Secondly, I'm in the process of hopefully being granted a license to host TEDx events in my local area (keep your fingers crossed…)
Thomas Suarez is a 6th grade student at a middle school in the South Bay of Los Angeles. When Apple released the iOS Software Development Kit he began to create and sell his own applications.
“My parents, my friends and even the people at the Apple store all supported me,” he says, “and Steve Jobs inspired me”. Thomas points out that it's hard to learn how to make an app. “For soccer you could go to a soccer team … but what if you want to make an app?”
He's started a club for fellow students at school, where he shares his knowledge of programming. Thomas articulates his vision that students are a valuable new technology resource to teachers, and should be empowered to offer assistance in developing the technology curriculum and also assist in delivering the lessons.
In between his studies, Thomas spends his time continually focused on the development of applications for the iPhone, and has established his own company, CarrotCorp.
His most successful application is one he terms “an anti-Justin-Bieber game” called “Bustin Jieber“. “It's is a variation on the Whac-a-Mole theme,” he explains.
You can check out all of Thomas' published iOS apps in the Apple Store.
Great work young man.
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