Repository: open-telemetry/opentelemetry.io
Pull request #6512: New Blog Post: Reflecting on My Outreachy Journey: Growth, Challenges, and New Beginnings
Author: login: RichardChukwu
Labels: name: docs:blog
description: An issue requesting a blog post, or a PR for a new blog post
Created: 2025-03-10T10:25:12Z | Merged: 2025-03-21T22:03:57Z

This pull request introduces a new blog post titled "Reflecting on My Outreachy Journey: Growth, Challenges, and New Beginnings."

In this post, I share my experiences as an [Outreachy](https://www.outreachy.org/) intern with OpenTelemetry, highlighting personal growth, overcoming challenges, and contributions made during the internship.


Diff:
diff --git a/content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md b/content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
new file mode 100644
index 000000000000..bc0a3d256e00
--- /dev/null
+++ b/content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
@@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-24
+author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)'
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: Chukwu Marylia Outreachy
+---
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the
+University of Benin, Nigeria. My journey into tech has been fueled by a blend of
+curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth. These are the pillars that not
+only uphold my personal values but also form the foundation of my professional
+aspirations.
+
+I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the
+[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my
+selection for [Outreachy](https://www.outreachy.org/alums/2024-12/). It was a
+moment of validation, but also one filled with uncertainty. Could I truly make
+an impact in open source? Would I be able to contribute meaningfully to a
+project as vast and complex as OpenTelemetry? Now, as I wrap up this incredible
+journey, I can say with confidence that the experience has been transformative
+in ways I never imagined.
+
+## Overcoming fear: Imposter syndrome didn’t win
+
+One of my biggest fears stepping into Outreachy was imposter syndrome.
+OpenTelemetry is a widely used project, and I worried about keeping up with
+seasoned contributors. However, I quickly realized that the open source
+community thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. My mentor
+and the community members were incredibly supportive, always willing to guide me
+when I felt stuck. I learned that asking questions and seeking help is not a
+weakness&mdash;it’s how we grow.
+
+## A highlight: Seeing my work make an impact
+
+One of the most fulfilling moments of my internship was when my
+[first major contribution](https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-erlang/pull/825)&mdash;a
+detailed setup guide for OpenTelemetry Erlang contributors&mdash;was merged.
+What seemed like a simple task at first turned into a deep dive into improving
+developer onboarding, documenting tribal knowledge, and making contributions
+more accessible. Seeing community members reference my work and use it to get
+started was an incredibly rewarding feeling. It reminded me why I love open
+source&mdash;it's about creating something that empowers others.
+
+This internship stretched my technical and communication skills in ways I hadn’t
+expected. On the technical side, I gained a deeper understanding of:
+
+- OpenTelemetry’s instrumentation and architecture.
+- Observability and its role in modern distributed systems.
+- Documentation best practices and how to bridge the gap between technical
+  complexity and accessibility.
+
+On the communication side, I learned how to:
+
+- Engage in meaningful discussions in GitHub issues and PRs.
+- Synthesize feedback from multiple contributors and maintainers.
+- Document processes in a way that is both clear and effective for a global
+  audience.
+
+Most importantly, Outreachy gave me the confidence to contribute to open source
+projects beyond this internship. I now see myself as part of the broader open
+source ecosystem, and I’m excited to continue making meaningful contributions.
+
+## Project contributions and future directions
+
+During my tenure, I completed the creation of the
+[setup guide for contributions on OpenTelemetry](https://github.com/open-telemetry/sig-contributor-experience/issues/31)
+and contributed to refining existing documentation. Moving forward, I aim to
+continue my involvement with the OpenTelemetry community, focusing on expanding
+resources that facilitate contributor engagement.
+
+## The role of my mentor
+
+My mentor, [Marylia Gutierrez](https://github.com/maryliag), played a crucial
+role in my journey. She not only provided guidance on technical issues but also
+encouraged me to think critically and independently. She fostered a welcoming
+environment where I felt comfortable experimenting, failing, and learning from
+my mistakes. Her patience and willingness to share knowledge made a lasting
+impact on me.
+
+## What’s next?
+
+As I complete my Outreachy internship with the OpenTelemetry project, I’m
+looking ahead to my next steps. I want to continue working in cloud native
+technologies and observability, contributing to open source projects that
+improve developer experience and system reliability. I’m actively seeking
+opportunities where I can apply my skills, whether it’s in open source advocacy,
+cloud engineering, or observability solutions.
+
+To anyone considering [Outreachy](https://www.outreachy.org/), I say: go for it!
+This internship has been a gateway to new opportunities, networks, and a deeper
+belief in my abilities. I’m grateful for the experience and excited for what the
+future holds.
+
+If you’d like to chat about open source contributions, cloud native technology,
+or potential opportunities,
+[let’s connect](https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardchukwu1/)!
diff --git a/static/refcache.json b/static/refcache.json
index 96941691f906..86ea715376c3 100644
--- a/static/refcache.json
+++ b/static/refcache.json
@@ -7491,6 +7491,10 @@
     "StatusCode": 206,
     "LastSeen": "2025-02-01T07:19:54.615789-05:00"
   },
+  "https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-erlang/pull/825": {
+    "StatusCode": 206,
+    "LastSeen": "2025-03-21T13:46:30.158376597-07:00"
+  },
   "https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-erlang/releases": {
     "StatusCode": 206,
     "LastSeen": "2025-01-13T11:43:30.836562-05:00"
@@ -12063,6 +12067,10 @@
     "StatusCode": 206,
     "LastSeen": "2025-03-11T09:21:49.973686-04:00"
   },
+  "https://github.com/open-telemetry/sig-contributor-experience/issues/31": {
+    "StatusCode": 206,
+    "LastSeen": "2025-03-21T13:46:31.597120135-07:00"
+  },
   "https://github.com/open-telemetry/sig-end-user": {
     "StatusCode": 206,
     "LastSeen": "2025-02-01T07:10:56.03728-05:00"
@@ -12575,6 +12583,10 @@
     "StatusCode": 206,
     "LastSeen": "2025-01-07T10:32:29.804441-05:00"
   },
+  "https://github.com/richardchukwu": {
+    "StatusCode": 206,
+    "LastSeen": "2025-03-21T13:46:27.90685785-07:00"
+  },
   "https://github.com/ridwanmsharif": {
     "StatusCode": 206,
     "LastSeen": "2025-03-06T15:19:52.638337191Z"
@@ -18603,6 +18615,10 @@
     "StatusCode": 200,
     "LastSeen": "2025-01-30T22:47:29.617Z"
   },
+  "https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardchukwu1/": {
+    "StatusCode": 200,
+    "LastSeen": "2025-03-21T21:31:48.793Z"
+  },
   "https://www.linkedin.com/posts/santiago-lator_opentelemetry-opentelemetry-observabilidad-activity-7258132675268354050-oP1q": {
     "StatusCode": 200,
     "LastSeen": "2025-01-30T17:44:52.308579-05:00"
@@ -19039,6 +19055,10 @@
     "StatusCode": 200,
     "LastSeen": "2025-01-13T11:43:58.450234-05:00"
   },
+  "https://www.outreachy.org/alums/2024-12/": {
+    "StatusCode": 200,
+    "LastSeen": "2025-03-21T13:46:28.904753706-07:00"
+  },
   "https://www.parseable.com/docs/server/opentelemetry": {
     "StatusCode": 200,
     "LastSeen": "2025-02-20T22:54:09.030696452Z"


Reviews:
user: login: svrnm
state: COMMENTED
author_association: MEMBER
submitted_at: 2025-03-11T11:38:28Z
user: login: RichardChukwu
state: COMMENTED
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
submitted_at: 2025-03-11T12:05:11Z
user: login: RichardChukwu
state: COMMENTED
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
submitted_at: 2025-03-11T12:12:55Z
user: login: chalin
body: See inline for suggestion that should fix the build.
state: CHANGES_REQUESTED
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
submitted_at: 2025-03-11T13:37:29Z
user: login: RichardChukwu
state: COMMENTED
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
submitted_at: 2025-03-11T13:41:46Z
user: login: maryliag
body: added a few comments. Just make sure you have tests passing, otherwise looks good.
I can provide an approval once all issues have been addressed
state: COMMENTED
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
submitted_at: 2025-03-14T19:07:06Z
user: login: tiffany76
body: I've made a few suggestions to bring this in line with our style guide, but otherwise LGTM! Let us know if you need help getting the CI tests to pass.
state: APPROVED
author_association: MEMBER
submitted_at: 2025-03-20T00:27:30Z
user: login: RichardChukwu
state: COMMENTED
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
submitted_at: 2025-03-20T22:42:51Z
user: login: chalin
state: APPROVED
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
submitted_at: 2025-03-21T21:49:59Z
user: login: tiffany76
state: COMMENTED
author_association: MEMBER
submitted_at: 2025-03-21T21:51:34Z

Review comments:
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy-internship
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship/index.md
user: login: svrnm
body: ```suggestion
linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
```
created_at: 2025-03-11T11:35:37Z
author_association: MEMBER
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy-internship
+date: 2025-03-07
+author: [Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # are but Chukwu here Marylia Outreachy that the
+---
+
+## Introduction
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the
+University of Benin in Nigeria. My journey into tech has been fueled by a blend
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship/index.md
user: login: svrnm
body: feel free to add a link to your university
created_at: 2025-03-11T11:36:27Z
author_association: MEMBER
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy-internship
+date: 2025-03-07
+author: [Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # are but Chukwu here Marylia Outreachy that the
+---
+
+## Introduction
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the
+University of Benin in Nigeria. My journey into tech has been fueled by a blend
+of curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth. These are the pillars that
+not only uphold my personal values but also form the foundation of my
+professional aspirations.
+
+I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the
+[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship/index.md
user: login: svrnm
body: not sure if it is related to X being under attack right now, but the link doesn't work. Is this accessible to folks who do not have a X account?
created_at: 2025-03-11T11:37:42Z
author_association: MEMBER
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy-internship
+date: 2025-03-07
+author: [Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # are but Chukwu here Marylia Outreachy that the
+---
+
+## Introduction
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the
+University of Benin in Nigeria. My journey into tech has been fueled by a blend
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship/index.md
user: login: RichardChukwu
body: Alright, done
created_at: 2025-03-11T12:05:11Z
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy-internship
+date: 2025-03-07
+author: [Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # are but Chukwu here Marylia Outreachy that the
+---
+
+## Introduction
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the
+University of Benin in Nigeria. My journey into tech has been fueled by a blend
+of curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth. These are the pillars that
+not only uphold my personal values but also form the foundation of my
+professional aspirations.
+
+I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the
+[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship/index.md
user: login: RichardChukwu
body: Just edited, It should be working fine now...
created_at: 2025-03-11T12:12:55Z
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-07
+author: [Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # are but Chukwu here Marylia Outreachy that the
+---
+
+## Introduction
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship/index.md
user: login: chalin
body: ```suggestion
```
created_at: 2025-03-11T13:35:21Z
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship/index.md
user: login: chalin
body: Rename this page to `content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md`
created_at: 2025-03-11T13:35:57Z
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-07
+author: [Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship/index.md
user: login: chalin
body: You need to quote the author entry. This change should fix the build (which is broken, so we can't see a preview yet).

```suggestion
date: 2025-03-11
author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)'
```
created_at: 2025-03-11T13:37:06Z
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,104 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-07
+author: [Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship/index.md
user: login: RichardChukwu
body: Oh, thanks for this, was wondering what was causing that
created_at: 2025-03-11T13:41:46Z
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,102 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-11
+author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)'
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # are but Chukwu here Marylia Outreachy that the
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
user: login: maryliag
body: if you're not ignoring those words, there is no reason to have this here
created_at: 2025-03-14T19:00:35Z
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,102 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-11
+author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)'
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # are but Chukwu here Marylia Outreachy that the
+---
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the
+[University of Benin](https://www.uniben.edu), Nigeria. My journey into tech has
+been fueled by a blend of curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth.
+These are the pillars that not only uphold my personal values but also form the
+foundation of my professional aspirations.
+
+I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the
+[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my
+selection for
+[Outreachy](https://richardchukwu.hashnode.dev/outreachy-internship-introduction-first-day-of-my-internship#heading-determination).
+It was a moment of validation, but also one filled with uncertainty. Could I
+truly make an impact in open source? Would I be able to contribute meaningfully
+to a project as vast and complex as OpenTelemetry? Now, as I wrap up this
+incredible journey, I can say with confidence that the experience has been
+transformative in ways I never imagined.
+
+## Overcoming Fear: Imposter Syndrome Didn’t Win
+
+One of my biggest fears stepping into Outreachy was imposter syndrome.
+OpenTelemetry is a widely used project, and I worried about keeping up with
+seasoned contributors. However, I quickly realized that the open source
+community thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. My mentor
+and the community members were incredibly supportive, always willing to guide me
+when I felt stuck. I learned that asking questions and seeking help is not a
+weakness—it’s how we grow.
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
user: login: maryliag
body: ```suggestion
weakness — it’s how we grow.
```
created_at: 2025-03-14T19:01:58Z
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,102 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-11
+author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)'
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # are but Chukwu here Marylia Outreachy that the
+---
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the
+[University of Benin](https://www.uniben.edu), Nigeria. My journey into tech has
+been fueled by a blend of curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth.
+These are the pillars that not only uphold my personal values but also form the
+foundation of my professional aspirations.
+
+I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the
+[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my
+selection for
+[Outreachy](https://richardchukwu.hashnode.dev/outreachy-internship-introduction-first-day-of-my-internship#heading-determination).
+It was a moment of validation, but also one filled with uncertainty. Could I
+truly make an impact in open source? Would I be able to contribute meaningfully
+to a project as vast and complex as OpenTelemetry? Now, as I wrap up this
+incredible journey, I can say with confidence that the experience has been
+transformative in ways I never imagined.
+
+## Overcoming Fear: Imposter Syndrome Didn’t Win
+
+One of my biggest fears stepping into Outreachy was imposter syndrome.
+OpenTelemetry is a widely used project, and I worried about keeping up with
+seasoned contributors. However, I quickly realized that the open source
+community thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. My mentor
+and the community members were incredibly supportive, always willing to guide me
+when I felt stuck. I learned that asking questions and seeking help is not a
+weakness—it’s how we grow.
+
+## A Highlight: Seeing My Work Make an Impact
+
+One of the most fulfilling moments of my internship was when my
+[first major contribution](https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-erlang/pull/825)—a
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
user: login: maryliag
body: ```suggestion
[first major contribution](https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-erlang/pull/825) — a
```
created_at: 2025-03-14T19:02:24Z
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,102 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-11
+author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)'
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # are but Chukwu here Marylia Outreachy that the
+---
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the
+[University of Benin](https://www.uniben.edu), Nigeria. My journey into tech has
+been fueled by a blend of curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth.
+These are the pillars that not only uphold my personal values but also form the
+foundation of my professional aspirations.
+
+I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the
+[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my
+selection for
+[Outreachy](https://richardchukwu.hashnode.dev/outreachy-internship-introduction-first-day-of-my-internship#heading-determination).
+It was a moment of validation, but also one filled with uncertainty. Could I
+truly make an impact in open source? Would I be able to contribute meaningfully
+to a project as vast and complex as OpenTelemetry? Now, as I wrap up this
+incredible journey, I can say with confidence that the experience has been
+transformative in ways I never imagined.
+
+## Overcoming Fear: Imposter Syndrome Didn’t Win
+
+One of my biggest fears stepping into Outreachy was imposter syndrome.
+OpenTelemetry is a widely used project, and I worried about keeping up with
+seasoned contributors. However, I quickly realized that the open source
+community thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. My mentor
+and the community members were incredibly supportive, always willing to guide me
+when I felt stuck. I learned that asking questions and seeking help is not a
+weakness—it’s how we grow.
+
+## A Highlight: Seeing My Work Make an Impact
+
+One of the most fulfilling moments of my internship was when my
+[first major contribution](https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-erlang/pull/825)—a
+detailed setup guide for OpenTelemetry Erlang contributors was merged. What
+seemed like a simple task at first turned into a deep dive into improving
+developer onboarding, documenting tribal knowledge, and making contributions
+more accessible. Seeing community members reference my work and use it to get
+started was an incredibly rewarding feeling. It reminded me why I love open
+source—it's about creating something that empowers others.
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
user: login: maryliag
body: ```suggestion
source — it's about creating something that empowers others.
```
created_at: 2025-03-14T19:03:00Z
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,102 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-11
+author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)'
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # are but Chukwu here Marylia Outreachy that the
+---
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the
+[University of Benin](https://www.uniben.edu), Nigeria. My journey into tech has
+been fueled by a blend of curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth.
+These are the pillars that not only uphold my personal values but also form the
+foundation of my professional aspirations.
+
+I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the
+[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my
+selection for
+[Outreachy](https://richardchukwu.hashnode.dev/outreachy-internship-introduction-first-day-of-my-internship#heading-determination).
+It was a moment of validation, but also one filled with uncertainty. Could I
+truly make an impact in open source? Would I be able to contribute meaningfully
+to a project as vast and complex as OpenTelemetry? Now, as I wrap up this
+incredible journey, I can say with confidence that the experience has been
+transformative in ways I never imagined.
+
+## Overcoming Fear: Imposter Syndrome Didn’t Win
+
+One of my biggest fears stepping into Outreachy was imposter syndrome.
+OpenTelemetry is a widely used project, and I worried about keeping up with
+seasoned contributors. However, I quickly realized that the open source
+community thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. My mentor
+and the community members were incredibly supportive, always willing to guide me
+when I felt stuck. I learned that asking questions and seeking help is not a
+weakness—it’s how we grow.
+
+## A Highlight: Seeing My Work Make an Impact
+
+One of the most fulfilling moments of my internship was when my
+[first major contribution](https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-erlang/pull/825)—a
+detailed setup guide for OpenTelemetry Erlang contributors was merged. What
+seemed like a simple task at first turned into a deep dive into improving
+developer onboarding, documenting tribal knowledge, and making contributions
+more accessible. Seeing community members reference my work and use it to get
+started was an incredibly rewarding feeling. It reminded me why I love open
+source—it's about creating something that empowers others.
+
+## Growth in Skills and Confidence
+
+This internship stretched my technical and communication skills in ways I hadn’t
+expected. On the technical side, I gained a deeper understanding of:
+
+- OpenTelemetry’s instrumentation and architecture.
+- Observability and its role in modern distributed systems.
+- Documentation best practices and how to bridge the gap between technical
+  complexity and accessibility.
+
+On the communication side, I learned how to:
+
+- Engage in meaningful discussions in GitHub issues and PRs.
+- Synthesize feedback from multiple contributors and maintainers.
+- Document processes in a way that is both clear and effective for a global
+  audience.
+
+Most importantly, Outreachy gave me the confidence to contribute to open source
+projects beyond this internship. I now see myself as part of the broader open
+source ecosystem, and I’m excited to continue making meaningful contributions.
+
+## Project Contributions and Future Directions
+
+During my tenure, I completed the creation of the
+[setup guide for the development of OpenTelemetry](https://github.com/open-telemetry/sig-contributor-experience/issues/31)
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
user: login: maryliag
body: ```suggestion
[setup guide for contributions on OpenTelemetry](https://github.com/open-telemetry/sig-contributor-experience/issues/31)
```
created_at: 2025-03-14T19:05:20Z
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,101 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-11
+author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)'
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # Chukwu Marylia Outreachy
+---
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the University of Benin, Nigeria. My journey into tech has
+been fueled by a blend of curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth.
+These are the pillars that not only uphold my personal values but also form the
+foundation of my professional aspirations.
+
+I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the
+[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my
+selection for
+[Outreachy](https://richardchukwu.hashnode.dev/outreachy-internship-introduction-first-day-of-my-internship#heading-determination).
+It was a moment of validation, but also one filled with uncertainty. Could I
+truly make an impact in open source? Would I be able to contribute meaningfully
+to a project as vast and complex as OpenTelemetry? Now, as I wrap up this
+incredible journey, I can say with confidence that the experience has been
+transformative in ways I never imagined.
+
+## Overcoming Fear: Imposter Syndrome Didn’t Win
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
user: login: tiffany76
body: ```suggestion
## Overcoming fear: Imposter syndrome didn’t win
```
created_at: 2025-03-20T00:05:25Z
author_association: MEMBER
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,101 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-11
+author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)'
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # Chukwu Marylia Outreachy
+---
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the University of Benin, Nigeria. My journey into tech has
+been fueled by a blend of curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth.
+These are the pillars that not only uphold my personal values but also form the
+foundation of my professional aspirations.
+
+I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the
+[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my
+selection for
+[Outreachy](https://richardchukwu.hashnode.dev/outreachy-internship-introduction-first-day-of-my-internship#heading-determination).
+It was a moment of validation, but also one filled with uncertainty. Could I
+truly make an impact in open source? Would I be able to contribute meaningfully
+to a project as vast and complex as OpenTelemetry? Now, as I wrap up this
+incredible journey, I can say with confidence that the experience has been
+transformative in ways I never imagined.
+
+## Overcoming Fear: Imposter Syndrome Didn’t Win
+
+One of my biggest fears stepping into Outreachy was imposter syndrome.
+OpenTelemetry is a widely used project, and I worried about keeping up with
+seasoned contributors. However, I quickly realized that the open source
+community thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. My mentor
+and the community members were incredibly supportive, always willing to guide me
+when I felt stuck. I learned that asking questions and seeking help is not a
+weakness — it’s how we grow.
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
user: login: tiffany76
body: ```suggestion
weakness&mdash;it’s how we grow.
```
created_at: 2025-03-20T00:09:36Z
author_association: MEMBER
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,101 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-11
+author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)'
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # Chukwu Marylia Outreachy
+---
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the University of Benin, Nigeria. My journey into tech has
+been fueled by a blend of curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth.
+These are the pillars that not only uphold my personal values but also form the
+foundation of my professional aspirations.
+
+I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the
+[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my
+selection for
+[Outreachy](https://richardchukwu.hashnode.dev/outreachy-internship-introduction-first-day-of-my-internship#heading-determination).
+It was a moment of validation, but also one filled with uncertainty. Could I
+truly make an impact in open source? Would I be able to contribute meaningfully
+to a project as vast and complex as OpenTelemetry? Now, as I wrap up this
+incredible journey, I can say with confidence that the experience has been
+transformative in ways I never imagined.
+
+## Overcoming Fear: Imposter Syndrome Didn’t Win
+
+One of my biggest fears stepping into Outreachy was imposter syndrome.
+OpenTelemetry is a widely used project, and I worried about keeping up with
+seasoned contributors. However, I quickly realized that the open source
+community thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. My mentor
+and the community members were incredibly supportive, always willing to guide me
+when I felt stuck. I learned that asking questions and seeking help is not a
+weakness — it’s how we grow.
+
+## A Highlight: Seeing My Work Make an Impact
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
user: login: tiffany76
body: ```suggestion
## A highlight: Seeing my work make an impact
```
created_at: 2025-03-20T00:10:27Z
author_association: MEMBER
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,101 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-11
+author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)'
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # Chukwu Marylia Outreachy
+---
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the University of Benin, Nigeria. My journey into tech has
+been fueled by a blend of curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth.
+These are the pillars that not only uphold my personal values but also form the
+foundation of my professional aspirations.
+
+I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the
+[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my
+selection for
+[Outreachy](https://richardchukwu.hashnode.dev/outreachy-internship-introduction-first-day-of-my-internship#heading-determination).
+It was a moment of validation, but also one filled with uncertainty. Could I
+truly make an impact in open source? Would I be able to contribute meaningfully
+to a project as vast and complex as OpenTelemetry? Now, as I wrap up this
+incredible journey, I can say with confidence that the experience has been
+transformative in ways I never imagined.
+
+## Overcoming Fear: Imposter Syndrome Didn’t Win
+
+One of my biggest fears stepping into Outreachy was imposter syndrome.
+OpenTelemetry is a widely used project, and I worried about keeping up with
+seasoned contributors. However, I quickly realized that the open source
+community thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. My mentor
+and the community members were incredibly supportive, always willing to guide me
+when I felt stuck. I learned that asking questions and seeking help is not a
+weakness — it’s how we grow.
+
+## A Highlight: Seeing My Work Make an Impact
+
+One of the most fulfilling moments of my internship was when my
+[first major contribution](https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-erlang/pull/825) — a
+detailed setup guide for OpenTelemetry Erlang contributors was merged. What
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
user: login: tiffany76
body: ```suggestion
[first major contribution](https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-erlang/pull/825)&mdash;a
detailed setup guide for OpenTelemetry Erlang contributors&mdash;was merged. What
```
created_at: 2025-03-20T00:11:37Z
author_association: MEMBER
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,101 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-11
+author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)'
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # Chukwu Marylia Outreachy
+---
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the University of Benin, Nigeria. My journey into tech has
+been fueled by a blend of curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth.
+These are the pillars that not only uphold my personal values but also form the
+foundation of my professional aspirations.
+
+I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the
+[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my
+selection for
+[Outreachy](https://richardchukwu.hashnode.dev/outreachy-internship-introduction-first-day-of-my-internship#heading-determination).
+It was a moment of validation, but also one filled with uncertainty. Could I
+truly make an impact in open source? Would I be able to contribute meaningfully
+to a project as vast and complex as OpenTelemetry? Now, as I wrap up this
+incredible journey, I can say with confidence that the experience has been
+transformative in ways I never imagined.
+
+## Overcoming Fear: Imposter Syndrome Didn’t Win
+
+One of my biggest fears stepping into Outreachy was imposter syndrome.
+OpenTelemetry is a widely used project, and I worried about keeping up with
+seasoned contributors. However, I quickly realized that the open source
+community thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. My mentor
+and the community members were incredibly supportive, always willing to guide me
+when I felt stuck. I learned that asking questions and seeking help is not a
+weakness — it’s how we grow.
+
+## A Highlight: Seeing My Work Make an Impact
+
+One of the most fulfilling moments of my internship was when my
+[first major contribution](https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-erlang/pull/825) — a
+detailed setup guide for OpenTelemetry Erlang contributors was merged. What
+seemed like a simple task at first turned into a deep dive into improving
+developer onboarding, documenting tribal knowledge, and making contributions
+more accessible. Seeing community members reference my work and use it to get
+started was an incredibly rewarding feeling. It reminded me why I love open
+source — it's about creating something that empowers others.
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
user: login: tiffany76
body: ```suggestion
source&mdash;it's about creating something that empowers others.
```
created_at: 2025-03-20T00:12:19Z
author_association: MEMBER
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,101 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-11
+author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)'
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # Chukwu Marylia Outreachy
+---
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the University of Benin, Nigeria. My journey into tech has
+been fueled by a blend of curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth.
+These are the pillars that not only uphold my personal values but also form the
+foundation of my professional aspirations.
+
+I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the
+[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my
+selection for
+[Outreachy](https://richardchukwu.hashnode.dev/outreachy-internship-introduction-first-day-of-my-internship#heading-determination).
+It was a moment of validation, but also one filled with uncertainty. Could I
+truly make an impact in open source? Would I be able to contribute meaningfully
+to a project as vast and complex as OpenTelemetry? Now, as I wrap up this
+incredible journey, I can say with confidence that the experience has been
+transformative in ways I never imagined.
+
+## Overcoming Fear: Imposter Syndrome Didn’t Win
+
+One of my biggest fears stepping into Outreachy was imposter syndrome.
+OpenTelemetry is a widely used project, and I worried about keeping up with
+seasoned contributors. However, I quickly realized that the open source
+community thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. My mentor
+and the community members were incredibly supportive, always willing to guide me
+when I felt stuck. I learned that asking questions and seeking help is not a
+weakness — it’s how we grow.
+
+## A Highlight: Seeing My Work Make an Impact
+
+One of the most fulfilling moments of my internship was when my
+[first major contribution](https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-erlang/pull/825) — a
+detailed setup guide for OpenTelemetry Erlang contributors was merged. What
+seemed like a simple task at first turned into a deep dive into improving
+developer onboarding, documenting tribal knowledge, and making contributions
+more accessible. Seeing community members reference my work and use it to get
+started was an incredibly rewarding feeling. It reminded me why I love open
+source — it's about creating something that empowers others.
+
+## Growth in Skills and Confidence
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
user: login: tiffany76
body: ```suggestion
## Growth in skills and confidence
```
created_at: 2025-03-20T00:13:11Z
author_association: MEMBER
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,101 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-11
+author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)'
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # Chukwu Marylia Outreachy
+---
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the University of Benin, Nigeria. My journey into tech has
+been fueled by a blend of curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth.
+These are the pillars that not only uphold my personal values but also form the
+foundation of my professional aspirations.
+
+I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the
+[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my
+selection for
+[Outreachy](https://richardchukwu.hashnode.dev/outreachy-internship-introduction-first-day-of-my-internship#heading-determination).
+It was a moment of validation, but also one filled with uncertainty. Could I
+truly make an impact in open source? Would I be able to contribute meaningfully
+to a project as vast and complex as OpenTelemetry? Now, as I wrap up this
+incredible journey, I can say with confidence that the experience has been
+transformative in ways I never imagined.
+
+## Overcoming Fear: Imposter Syndrome Didn’t Win
+
+One of my biggest fears stepping into Outreachy was imposter syndrome.
+OpenTelemetry is a widely used project, and I worried about keeping up with
+seasoned contributors. However, I quickly realized that the open source
+community thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. My mentor
+and the community members were incredibly supportive, always willing to guide me
+when I felt stuck. I learned that asking questions and seeking help is not a
+weakness — it’s how we grow.
+
+## A Highlight: Seeing My Work Make an Impact
+
+One of the most fulfilling moments of my internship was when my
+[first major contribution](https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-erlang/pull/825) — a
+detailed setup guide for OpenTelemetry Erlang contributors was merged. What
+seemed like a simple task at first turned into a deep dive into improving
+developer onboarding, documenting tribal knowledge, and making contributions
+more accessible. Seeing community members reference my work and use it to get
+started was an incredibly rewarding feeling. It reminded me why I love open
+source — it's about creating something that empowers others.
+
+## Growth in Skills and Confidence
+
+This internship stretched my technical and communication skills in ways I hadn’t
+expected. On the technical side, I gained a deeper understanding of:
+
+- OpenTelemetry’s instrumentation and architecture.
+- Observability and its role in modern distributed systems.
+- Documentation best practices and how to bridge the gap between technical
+  complexity and accessibility.
+
+On the communication side, I learned how to:
+
+- Engage in meaningful discussions in GitHub issues and PRs.
+- Synthesize feedback from multiple contributors and maintainers.
+- Document processes in a way that is both clear and effective for a global
+  audience.
+
+Most importantly, Outreachy gave me the confidence to contribute to open source
+projects beyond this internship. I now see myself as part of the broader open
+source ecosystem, and I’m excited to continue making meaningful contributions.
+
+## Project Contributions and Future Directions
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
user: login: tiffany76
body: I think you could probably merge this section with the previous one, since they overlap a bit.
created_at: 2025-03-20T00:14:30Z
author_association: MEMBER
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,101 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-11
+author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)'
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # Chukwu Marylia Outreachy
+---
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the University of Benin, Nigeria. My journey into tech has
+been fueled by a blend of curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth.
+These are the pillars that not only uphold my personal values but also form the
+foundation of my professional aspirations.
+
+I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the
+[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my
+selection for
+[Outreachy](https://richardchukwu.hashnode.dev/outreachy-internship-introduction-first-day-of-my-internship#heading-determination).
+It was a moment of validation, but also one filled with uncertainty. Could I
+truly make an impact in open source? Would I be able to contribute meaningfully
+to a project as vast and complex as OpenTelemetry? Now, as I wrap up this
+incredible journey, I can say with confidence that the experience has been
+transformative in ways I never imagined.
+
+## Overcoming Fear: Imposter Syndrome Didn’t Win
+
+One of my biggest fears stepping into Outreachy was imposter syndrome.
+OpenTelemetry is a widely used project, and I worried about keeping up with
+seasoned contributors. However, I quickly realized that the open source
+community thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. My mentor
+and the community members were incredibly supportive, always willing to guide me
+when I felt stuck. I learned that asking questions and seeking help is not a
+weakness — it’s how we grow.
+
+## A Highlight: Seeing My Work Make an Impact
+
+One of the most fulfilling moments of my internship was when my
+[first major contribution](https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-erlang/pull/825) — a
+detailed setup guide for OpenTelemetry Erlang contributors was merged. What
+seemed like a simple task at first turned into a deep dive into improving
+developer onboarding, documenting tribal knowledge, and making contributions
+more accessible. Seeing community members reference my work and use it to get
+started was an incredibly rewarding feeling. It reminded me why I love open
+source — it's about creating something that empowers others.
+
+## Growth in Skills and Confidence
+
+This internship stretched my technical and communication skills in ways I hadn’t
+expected. On the technical side, I gained a deeper understanding of:
+
+- OpenTelemetry’s instrumentation and architecture.
+- Observability and its role in modern distributed systems.
+- Documentation best practices and how to bridge the gap between technical
+  complexity and accessibility.
+
+On the communication side, I learned how to:
+
+- Engage in meaningful discussions in GitHub issues and PRs.
+- Synthesize feedback from multiple contributors and maintainers.
+- Document processes in a way that is both clear and effective for a global
+  audience.
+
+Most importantly, Outreachy gave me the confidence to contribute to open source
+projects beyond this internship. I now see myself as part of the broader open
+source ecosystem, and I’m excited to continue making meaningful contributions.
+
+## Project Contributions and Future Directions
+
+During my tenure, I completed the creation of the
+[setup guide for contributions on OpenTelemetry](https://github.com/open-telemetry/sig-contributor-experience/issues/31)
+and contributed to refining existing documentation. Moving forward, I aim to
+continue my involvement with the OpenTelemetry community, focusing on expanding
+resources that facilitate contributor engagement.
+
+## The Role of My Mentor
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
user: login: tiffany76
body: ```suggestion
## The role of my mentor
```
created_at: 2025-03-20T00:19:16Z
author_association: MEMBER
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,101 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-11
+author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)'
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # Chukwu Marylia Outreachy
+---
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the University of Benin, Nigeria. My journey into tech has
+been fueled by a blend of curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth.
+These are the pillars that not only uphold my personal values but also form the
+foundation of my professional aspirations.
+
+I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the
+[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my
+selection for
+[Outreachy](https://richardchukwu.hashnode.dev/outreachy-internship-introduction-first-day-of-my-internship#heading-determination).
+It was a moment of validation, but also one filled with uncertainty. Could I
+truly make an impact in open source? Would I be able to contribute meaningfully
+to a project as vast and complex as OpenTelemetry? Now, as I wrap up this
+incredible journey, I can say with confidence that the experience has been
+transformative in ways I never imagined.
+
+## Overcoming Fear: Imposter Syndrome Didn’t Win
+
+One of my biggest fears stepping into Outreachy was imposter syndrome.
+OpenTelemetry is a widely used project, and I worried about keeping up with
+seasoned contributors. However, I quickly realized that the open source
+community thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. My mentor
+and the community members were incredibly supportive, always willing to guide me
+when I felt stuck. I learned that asking questions and seeking help is not a
+weakness — it’s how we grow.
+
+## A Highlight: Seeing My Work Make an Impact
+
+One of the most fulfilling moments of my internship was when my
+[first major contribution](https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-erlang/pull/825) — a
+detailed setup guide for OpenTelemetry Erlang contributors was merged. What
+seemed like a simple task at first turned into a deep dive into improving
+developer onboarding, documenting tribal knowledge, and making contributions
+more accessible. Seeing community members reference my work and use it to get
+started was an incredibly rewarding feeling. It reminded me why I love open
+source — it's about creating something that empowers others.
+
+## Growth in Skills and Confidence
+
+This internship stretched my technical and communication skills in ways I hadn’t
+expected. On the technical side, I gained a deeper understanding of:
+
+- OpenTelemetry’s instrumentation and architecture.
+- Observability and its role in modern distributed systems.
+- Documentation best practices and how to bridge the gap between technical
+  complexity and accessibility.
+
+On the communication side, I learned how to:
+
+- Engage in meaningful discussions in GitHub issues and PRs.
+- Synthesize feedback from multiple contributors and maintainers.
+- Document processes in a way that is both clear and effective for a global
+  audience.
+
+Most importantly, Outreachy gave me the confidence to contribute to open source
+projects beyond this internship. I now see myself as part of the broader open
+source ecosystem, and I’m excited to continue making meaningful contributions.
+
+## Project Contributions and Future Directions
+
+During my tenure, I completed the creation of the
+[setup guide for contributions on OpenTelemetry](https://github.com/open-telemetry/sig-contributor-experience/issues/31)
+and contributed to refining existing documentation. Moving forward, I aim to
+continue my involvement with the OpenTelemetry community, focusing on expanding
+resources that facilitate contributor engagement.
+
+## The Role of My Mentor
+
+My mentor, [Marylia Gutierrez](https://github.com/maryliag), played a crucial
+role in my journey. She not only provided guidance on technical issues but also
+encouraged me to think critically and independently. She fostered a welcoming
+environment where I felt comfortable experimenting, failing, and learning from
+my mistakes. Her patience and willingness to share knowledge made a lasting
+impact on me.
+
+## What’s Next?
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
user: login: tiffany76
body: ```suggestion
## What’s next?
```
created_at: 2025-03-20T00:23:27Z
author_association: MEMBER
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,101 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-11
+author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)'
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # Chukwu Marylia Outreachy
+---
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the University of Benin, Nigeria. My journey into tech has
+been fueled by a blend of curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth.
+These are the pillars that not only uphold my personal values but also form the
+foundation of my professional aspirations.
+
+I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the
+[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my
+selection for
+[Outreachy](https://richardchukwu.hashnode.dev/outreachy-internship-introduction-first-day-of-my-internship#heading-determination).
+It was a moment of validation, but also one filled with uncertainty. Could I
+truly make an impact in open source? Would I be able to contribute meaningfully
+to a project as vast and complex as OpenTelemetry? Now, as I wrap up this
+incredible journey, I can say with confidence that the experience has been
+transformative in ways I never imagined.
+
+## Overcoming Fear: Imposter Syndrome Didn’t Win
+
+One of my biggest fears stepping into Outreachy was imposter syndrome.
+OpenTelemetry is a widely used project, and I worried about keeping up with
+seasoned contributors. However, I quickly realized that the open source
+community thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. My mentor
+and the community members were incredibly supportive, always willing to guide me
+when I felt stuck. I learned that asking questions and seeking help is not a
+weakness — it’s how we grow.
+
+## A Highlight: Seeing My Work Make an Impact
+
+One of the most fulfilling moments of my internship was when my
+[first major contribution](https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-erlang/pull/825) — a
+detailed setup guide for OpenTelemetry Erlang contributors was merged. What
+seemed like a simple task at first turned into a deep dive into improving
+developer onboarding, documenting tribal knowledge, and making contributions
+more accessible. Seeing community members reference my work and use it to get
+started was an incredibly rewarding feeling. It reminded me why I love open
+source — it's about creating something that empowers others.
+
+## Growth in Skills and Confidence
+
+This internship stretched my technical and communication skills in ways I hadn’t
+expected. On the technical side, I gained a deeper understanding of:
+
+- OpenTelemetry’s instrumentation and architecture.
+- Observability and its role in modern distributed systems.
+- Documentation best practices and how to bridge the gap between technical
+  complexity and accessibility.
+
+On the communication side, I learned how to:
+
+- Engage in meaningful discussions in GitHub issues and PRs.
+- Synthesize feedback from multiple contributors and maintainers.
+- Document processes in a way that is both clear and effective for a global
+  audience.
+
+Most importantly, Outreachy gave me the confidence to contribute to open source
+projects beyond this internship. I now see myself as part of the broader open
+source ecosystem, and I’m excited to continue making meaningful contributions.
+
+## Project Contributions and Future Directions
+
+During my tenure, I completed the creation of the
+[setup guide for contributions on OpenTelemetry](https://github.com/open-telemetry/sig-contributor-experience/issues/31)
+and contributed to refining existing documentation. Moving forward, I aim to
+continue my involvement with the OpenTelemetry community, focusing on expanding
+resources that facilitate contributor engagement.
+
+## The Role of My Mentor
+
+My mentor, [Marylia Gutierrez](https://github.com/maryliag), played a crucial
+role in my journey. She not only provided guidance on technical issues but also
+encouraged me to think critically and independently. She fostered a welcoming
+environment where I felt comfortable experimenting, failing, and learning from
+my mistakes. Her patience and willingness to share knowledge made a lasting
+impact on me.
+
+## What’s Next?
+
+As I complete my Outreachy internship with CNCF OpenTelemetry, I’m looking ahead
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
user: login: tiffany76
body: ```suggestion
As I complete my Outreachy internship with the OpenTelemetry project, I’m looking ahead
```
created_at: 2025-03-20T00:23:52Z
author_association: MEMBER
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,101 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-11
+author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)'
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: # Chukwu Marylia Outreachy
+---
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the University of Benin, Nigeria. My journey into tech has
+been fueled by a blend of curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth.
+These are the pillars that not only uphold my personal values but also form the
+foundation of my professional aspirations.
+
+I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the
+[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my
+selection for
+[Outreachy](https://richardchukwu.hashnode.dev/outreachy-internship-introduction-first-day-of-my-internship#heading-determination).
+It was a moment of validation, but also one filled with uncertainty. Could I
+truly make an impact in open source? Would I be able to contribute meaningfully
+to a project as vast and complex as OpenTelemetry? Now, as I wrap up this
+incredible journey, I can say with confidence that the experience has been
+transformative in ways I never imagined.
+
+## Overcoming Fear: Imposter Syndrome Didn’t Win
+
+One of my biggest fears stepping into Outreachy was imposter syndrome.
+OpenTelemetry is a widely used project, and I worried about keeping up with
+seasoned contributors. However, I quickly realized that the open source
+community thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. My mentor
+and the community members were incredibly supportive, always willing to guide me
+when I felt stuck. I learned that asking questions and seeking help is not a
+weakness — it’s how we grow.
+
+## A Highlight: Seeing My Work Make an Impact
+
+One of the most fulfilling moments of my internship was when my
+[first major contribution](https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-erlang/pull/825) — a
+detailed setup guide for OpenTelemetry Erlang contributors was merged. What
+seemed like a simple task at first turned into a deep dive into improving
+developer onboarding, documenting tribal knowledge, and making contributions
+more accessible. Seeing community members reference my work and use it to get
+started was an incredibly rewarding feeling. It reminded me why I love open
+source — it's about creating something that empowers others.
+
+## Growth in Skills and Confidence
+
+This internship stretched my technical and communication skills in ways I hadn’t
+expected. On the technical side, I gained a deeper understanding of:
+
+- OpenTelemetry’s instrumentation and architecture.
+- Observability and its role in modern distributed systems.
+- Documentation best practices and how to bridge the gap between technical
+  complexity and accessibility.
+
+On the communication side, I learned how to:
+
+- Engage in meaningful discussions in GitHub issues and PRs.
+- Synthesize feedback from multiple contributors and maintainers.
+- Document processes in a way that is both clear and effective for a global
+  audience.
+
+Most importantly, Outreachy gave me the confidence to contribute to open source
+projects beyond this internship. I now see myself as part of the broader open
+source ecosystem, and I’m excited to continue making meaningful contributions.
+
+## Project Contributions and Future Directions
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
user: login: RichardChukwu
body: Alright, thank you @tiffany76 
created_at: 2025-03-20T22:42:51Z
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-11
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
user: login: tiffany76
body: ```suggestion
date: 2025-03-24
```
created_at: 2025-03-21T21:50:59Z
author_association: MEMBER
diff_hunk: @@ -0,0 +1,99 @@
+---
+title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey
+linkTitle: Outreachy Internship
+date: 2025-03-11
+author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)'
+issue: 6488
+sig: Contributor Experience
+cSpell:ignore: Chukwu Marylia Outreachy
+---
+
+Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the
+University of Benin, Nigeria. My journey into tech has been fueled by a blend of
+curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth. These are the pillars that not
+only uphold my personal values but also form the foundation of my professional
+aspirations.
+
+I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the
+[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my
+selection for [Outreachy](https://www.outreachy.org/alums/2024-12/). It was a
+moment of validation, but also one filled with uncertainty. Could I truly make
+an impact in open source? Would I be able to contribute meaningfully to a
+project as vast and complex as OpenTelemetry? Now, as I wrap up this incredible
+journey, I can say with confidence that the experience has been transformative
+in ways I never imagined.
+
+## Overcoming fear: Imposter syndrome didn’t win
+
+One of my biggest fears stepping into Outreachy was imposter syndrome.
+OpenTelemetry is a widely used project, and I worried about keeping up with
+seasoned contributors. However, I quickly realized that the open source
+community thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. My mentor
+and the community members were incredibly supportive, always willing to guide me
+when I felt stuck. I learned that asking questions and seeking help is not a
+weakness&mdash;it’s how we grow.
+
+## A highlight: Seeing my work make an impact
+
+One of the most fulfilling moments of my internship was when my
+[first major contribution](https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-erlang/pull/825)&mdash;a
+detailed setup guide for OpenTelemetry Erlang contributors&mdash;was merged.
+What seemed like a simple task at first turned into a deep dive into improving
+developer onboarding, documenting tribal knowledge, and making contributions
+more accessible. Seeing community members reference my work and use it to get
+started was an incredibly rewarding feeling. It reminded me why I love open
+source&mdash;it's about creating something that empowers others.
+
+This internship stretched my technical and communication skills in ways I hadn’t
+expected. On the technical side, I gained a deeper understanding of:
+
+- OpenTelemetry’s instrumentation and architecture.
+- Observability and its role in modern distributed systems.
+- Documentation best practices and how to bridge the gap between technical
+  complexity and accessibility.
+
+On the communication side, I learned how to:
+
+- Engage in meaningful discussions in GitHub issues and PRs.
+- Synthesize feedback from multiple contributors and maintainers.
+- Document processes in a way that is both clear and effective for a global
+  audience.
+
+Most importantly, Outreachy gave me the confidence to contribute to open source
+projects beyond this internship. I now see myself as part of the broader open
+source ecosystem, and I’m excited to continue making meaningful contributions.
+
+## Project Contributions and Future Directions
path: content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md
user: login: tiffany76
body: ```suggestion
## Project contributions and future directions
```
created_at: 2025-03-21T21:51:27Z
author_association: MEMBER

PR comments:
user: login: svrnm
created_at: 2025-03-14T09:14:02Z
body: @maryliag since you worked with @RichardChukwu during the internship, please review and approve this blog post.
author_association: MEMBER
user: login: RichardChukwu
created_at: 2025-03-14T19:15:12Z
body: > added a few comments. Just make sure you have tests passing, otherwise looks good. I can provide an approval once all issues have been addressed

On it....
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
user: login: tiffany76
created_at: 2025-03-20T23:09:09Z
body: /fix:refcache
author_association: MEMBER
user: login: opentelemetrybot
created_at: 2025-03-20T23:09:23Z
body: You triggered fix:refcache action run at https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry.io/actions/runs/13981081929
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
user: login: RichardChukwu
created_at: 2025-03-20T23:12:08Z
body: > /fix:refcache

CI still fails, not sure why... log seems to be capturing a link though as the cause
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
user: login: tiffany76
created_at: 2025-03-20T23:13:04Z
body: Hi @RichardChukwu, I think the build errors are happening because the CI restarted several times as you made successive commits and the link checker hit those webpages so many times they were rate limited. We'll let things settle down and try again. 

The refcache check should be fixed with the GitHub action I just used. If you plan to make more changes locally, make sure to pull down the refcache commit once it's made.
author_association: MEMBER
user: login: opentelemetrybot
created_at: 2025-03-20T23:14:40Z
body: fix:refcache failed or was cancelled. For details, see https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry.io/actions/runs/13981081929.
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
user: login: tiffany76
created_at: 2025-03-20T23:15:25Z
body: /fix:refcache
author_association: MEMBER
user: login: opentelemetrybot
created_at: 2025-03-20T23:15:40Z
body: You triggered fix:refcache action run at https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry.io/actions/runs/13981159161
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
user: login: RichardChukwu
created_at: 2025-03-20T23:16:30Z
body: > Hi @RichardChukwu, I think the build errors are happening because the CI restarted several times as you made successive commits and the link checker hit those webpages so many times they were rate limited. We'll let things settle down and try again.
> 
> The refcache check should be fixed with the GitHub action I just used. If you plan to make more changes locally, make sure to pull down the refcache commit once it's made.

Ohh, better understood now. Thank you
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
user: login: opentelemetrybot
created_at: 2025-03-20T23:21:06Z
body: fix:refcache failed or was cancelled. For details, see https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry.io/actions/runs/13981159161.
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
user: login: tiffany76
created_at: 2025-03-20T23:24:58Z
body: I'm going to try one more time with the GitHub action. Please try not to comment on the PR or make any other changes until the action is finished and we see a "refcache was successful" or "refcache failed" message from the bot. I think we've been interrupting it's work and it just needs time to focus. 😁 
author_association: MEMBER
user: login: tiffany76
created_at: 2025-03-20T23:25:50Z
body: /fix:refcache
author_association: MEMBER
user: login: opentelemetrybot
created_at: 2025-03-20T23:26:02Z
body: You triggered fix:refcache action run at https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry.io/actions/runs/13981284378
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
user: login: opentelemetrybot
created_at: 2025-03-20T23:31:22Z
body: fix:refcache failed or was cancelled. For details, see https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry.io/actions/runs/13981284378.
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
user: login: tiffany76
created_at: 2025-03-20T23:37:54Z
body: Okay, looks like one site is still failing the `htmltest` because of too many requests. Let's step away for a little while. I might be able to try again later, or one of the other @open-telemetry/docs-approvers can jump in to help on Friday.

If you want, you can also try to fix the issue locally by running `npm run fix:refcache`, commiting the changes, and pushing them to GitHub. It might work better than our repeated attempts with the GitHub action.  

We'll get it fixed, one way or another!
author_association: MEMBER
user: login: RichardChukwu
created_at: 2025-03-20T23:43:06Z
body: > Okay, looks like one site is still failing the `htmltest` because of too many requests. Let's step away for a little while. I might be able to try again later, or one of the other @open-telemetry/docs-approvers can jump in to help on Friday.
> 
> If you want, you can also try to fix the issue locally by running `npm run fix:refcache`, commiting the changes, and pushing them to GitHub. It might work better than our repeated attempts with the GitHub action.
> 
> We'll get it fixed, one way or another!

Alright, I'll try that locally and see
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
user: login: tiffany76
created_at: 2025-03-21T21:58:17Z
body: Hi @RichardChukwu, with considerable help from @chalin, your PR is now ready to be merged! 

Rather than posting this on a Friday evening, we've set it to appear on the blog page on Monday, March 24. So take a look for it then. 

Congratulations on finishing your internship! ✨ 🎉 
author_association: MEMBER
user: login: opentelemetrybot
created_at: 2025-03-21T22:04:08Z
body: Thank you for your contribution! 🎉 We would like to hear from you about your experience contributing to OpenTelemetry by taking a few minutes to fill out this [survey](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSf2FfCsW-DimeWzdQgfl0KDzT2UEAqu69_f7F2BVPSxVae1cQ/viewform?entry.1540511742=open-telemetry/opentelemetry.io)
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR
user: login: RichardChukwu
created_at: 2025-03-21T23:46:35Z
body: > Hi @RichardChukwu, with considerable help from @chalin, your PR is now ready to be merged! 
> 
> 
> 
> Rather than posting this on a Friday evening, we've set it to appear on the blog page on Monday, March 24. So take a look for it then. 
> 
> 
> 
> Congratulations on finishing your internship! ✨ 🎉 

Thank you very much @chalin and @tiffany76 

😁😁😁😁
author_association: CONTRIBUTOR