My Outreachy Application Journey
Tags: opensource, webdev, cloud, python
Published: 2024-05-15 11:32:27

I first learned about paid internships like Outreachy via Twitter. If you ask me, I look at a program like Outreachy as an apprenticeship.

Anyway, it was past the deadline and I subscribed to the newsletter and made a promise to myself to apply during the next cohort. This was 2023.

I didn't get in, but I was not discouraged. I'd apply again. 

In this post, I'll share the things I did differently the second time. Please note, I don't know if that's why I was chosen, that would ultimately be the organizers decision.

## The second attempt

So, I sat back and decided to try a different approach.

### I started way early...

I knew from my previous application that there would be lots of writing to answer the essay questions. Since the questions are the same, I copied them on a Google Doc and wrote my answers even before the application date was announced.

### I prioritized the application

I spent 30 minutes to an hour everyday for two weeks writing my answers since I was working a full-time job.

This meant that my answers were ready to go.

### I read about other people's experiences

I spent some time reading through other people's experiences just to have some perspectives about application and choosing projects.

### I reached out to previous interns

I had met someone who had done Outreachy before, so I asked for her input. This came in handy during the contribution phase.

### I chose a project that was in line with my skills and that was interesting too

When the applications were opened, I spent three days going through the projects and narrowed down to three. Remember I had a full-time job, so I didn't have too much time.

I eventually settled on one project, as I wanted to focus in case I was chosen.

### I sent my application in early

Since I already had my answers ready, I was done with the application early enough, even when there were many days left on to the deadline.

### I sent my application, prayed, and waited

I sent the initial application, prayed and waited. I also kept taking notes about my next application, especially from Joan, who had participated before.

## Contributing

Time flew by. I eventually got the acceptance email.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/amkrxgkr51ksvsid62fw.jpg)

### I started going through the project's docs, project files, issues and bugs

I spent the first two or three days going through the project's docs and codebase.

It was a bit overwhelming, but it gave me an idea of what the project was about.

Having AWS knowledge came in handy as I could translate the knowledge from AWS to OpenStack concepts.

### I reached out to the project mentor

I reached out to the project mentor. I told her that I had been accepted to contribute to OpenStack, and shared the progress I had made.

I then asked her for guidance on how I could go about contributing. I was looking to make a very simple contribution as I didn't have too much time, again, I was working full-time.

This helped me narrow my focus, as I could concentrate on what was important without being overwhelmed.

### I started contributing

Tatiana was very helpful in providing the resources I needed. I updated her on my progress every few days, including when I was stuck, and any workarounds I came up with.

The contributing phase was about three hours every day, so I would wake up really early so that I could have at least three hours before work.

### I kept my mentor updated

As aforementioned, I kept my mentor updated on my progress. I also incorporated any feedback she gave.

## Final Application

It was such a joy when my contribution got [merged](https://review.opendev.org/c/openstack/horizon/+/914421). It was my first ever merged open source contribution.

I had tried before, but my contribution was not merged.

### Finishing up 

I finished up my final application, after a go ahead from my mentor.

### I then submitted, prayed and waited

I submitted my final application two days before the deadline. I then submitted, prayed and waited.

## Acceptance

I was so anxious as I waited for the results. I refreshed my email like every five minutes.

But finally, I got the acceptance email. I was literally in the clouds with joy.

I did my victory dance too...and thanked God for his mercies...

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/aenbc4oltiy8btmzvk2y.gif)

Image source: https://www.furaffinity.net/view/49164924/

I signed the contract very fast...and called my friends to tell share the good news. 

I also reached put to my mentor Tatiana again and thanked her for her support. 

I also told her what I had in mind as prep work, as the contribution phase began later in the month.

### Prep work

Tatiana guided me on the next steps, and the resources to look at.

I'm currently knee deep polishing up any dust off my Python/Django knowledge.

## The future

I'm going to do my best to understand the project and deliver. 

I'm also taking all the help I can get from my mentor, the OpenStack community, and the larger tech community.

I hope to staying humble, teachable, and have lots of fun!!!

And as you can imagine, I'll be praying lots too :)

Let me know if you have any questions.