From Student to Mentor: Interview with Chen Xin
Welcome back, Chen Xin!
Meet Chen Xin, whose journey as a student began right here at Coding Lab, where the programming skills she gained not only ignited her passion for coding but also set her apart in her studies, giving her a strong head start in university.
Today, she’s back as a teaching assistant to share her knowledge and inspire the next generation of coders!
Hi Chen Xin! Could you introduce yourself to our readers?
Hi, I’m Chen Xin, currently a Year 2 Business Analytics student at the National University of Singapore, Computing Faculty.
How did your time as a student at Coding Lab benefit you in university?
“Many people start without any coding experience. However, the coding concepts I learned at Coding Lab have been incredibly helpful and align closely with what I’m studying at university.”
For instance, the S102 Python module module I took at Coding Lab helped me quickly grasp key Computer Science (CS) concepts like syntax, data types, loops, and functions in my university lectures. The lessons on object-oriented programming and data structures like lists and dictionaries, which I learned in S112 (Python Level 2), were directly applicable to my coursework.
Additionally, the S100P Python Perfect module module was invaluable. Its hands-on exercises sharpened my computational thinking and problem-solving skills, which differ greatly from solving math problems.
These lessons prepared me to tackle university coding assignments and exams with confidence.
Chen Xin with her professor and classmates at NUS!
What did you enjoy most about being a student at Coding Lab?
I loved how engaging the lessons were! The teachers’ enthusiasm was infectious, making every class enjoyable and inspiring.
Overall, my experience at Coding Lab gave me a solid foundation and the confidence to excel in university, which has been a huge advantage in my studies.
What inspired you to return to Coding Lab as a Teaching Assistant?
As a student, I truly enjoyed my time at Coding Lab, so coming back felt like the perfect way to give back to the community that helped me grow.
During my secondary school and JC years, I volunteered with the elderly in the community. After starting university, I was curious about mentoring younger learners. So, I reached out to my former teacher at Coding Lab, and the rest is history!
It has been an incredibly rewarding experience working with my juniors and recreating the positive, inspiring learning environment I cherished as a student.
“The passionate teachers made coding exciting and approachable. Their genuine joy for coding left a lasting impression on me and inspired my own passion for sharing the joy of programming with others.”
Why do you think teaching coding to the next generation is so important?
Coding isn’t just about writing lines of code; it’s about thinking logically, breaking down problems, and bringing ideas to life. Plus, it’s so rewarding to see their excitement when their code works for the first time!
Thank you for returning to share how we’ve inspired your journey! We wish you all the best at NUS and look forward to seeing you continue to apply your programming knowledge to achieve great things in the future!
What advice would you give teens considering the Business Analytics Degree at NUS?
I chose the Business Analytics (BZA) course at NUS because it offers a broad and versatile scope of study. The core modules cover topics like statistics, calculus, linear algebra, programming methodology, econometrics, and data visualisation. This diversity allows students to explore different fields before deciding on a specialisation.
The journey is rigorous but incredibly fulfilling. It’s a fantastic opportunity to discover your strengths and interests while building a solid foundation in both analytics and business.
For teens considering BZA, my advice is: Go for it!
What are your passions and hobbies outside of coding?
Outside of the classroom, I have a passion for reading and singing. I love immersing myself in thriller and romance novels, and I make it a habit to read almost every day. Singing has also been a lifelong passion — I’ve been in choir for six years since secondary school, and it brings me joy and a sense of community. These hobbies help me relax, stay creative, and continue growing outside of work.
“Teaching coding to the next generation is like giving them a superpower—the ability to innovate, problem-solve, and shape the future in an increasingly digital world.”
What are your ambitions after graduation?
I’d like to pursue a career in software engineering or data analytics!
Chen Xin’s journey from Coding Lab student to mentor showcases the profound impact of discovering and nurturing a passion early on. The strong coding foundation she built at Coding Lab not only sparked her enthusiasm but also set her apart from her peers at university, equipping her with the skills and confidence to excel in challenging modules.
Her story serves as an inspiring reminder that starting young in coding can unlock countless opportunities, empowering the next generation to dream big, push boundaries, and shape their own paths in the ever-evolving world of technology.