My Memorable Experience at the MEST/MASTERCARD Web 3.0 Bootcamp, Facilitated by MOWBLOX
Published: 2023-09-28 08:27:58

In the ever-evolving world of technology, there are moments when a unique opportunity surfaces, beckoning us to embark on a journey that promises to reshape our understanding and ignite our passions. Such was the siren call of the MEST/MASTERCARD Web 3.0 bootcamp, which I discovered through Crypthority, a community of blockchain and web3 explorers. The prospect of deepening my understanding of blockchain technology filled me with excitement. After successfully completing the application process and required tests, I was thrilled to be selected for this incredible opportunity.

The bootcamp commenced with a warm welcome and an introduction to our tutors,  members of the Mowblox team. From the very first day, we were immersed in the realm of Web 3.0, commencing with basic lessons on the internet and its evolution. By the end of that week, we were already signing messages with private keys and transmitting them over a network for verification.

By the end of week two, we had begun our journey into Solidity, the programming language for building smart contracts that operate on Ethereum. Remarkably, by the end of the third week, we were already building smart contracts.

Week four introduced us to the impending EthAccra hackathon. Although many of us were relatively new to blockchain development, we mustered the confidence to participate. The hackathon proved to be a formidable challenge, as we were tasked with rapidly building real-world projects. Nevertheless, this experience enriched our understanding, and some participants even earned bounties for their innovative solutions. My team was honored to receive a bounty for building our project with The Graph, a blockchain indexing protocol.

Weeks 5 and 6 brought further enrichment to our learning journey. Our tutors led us to explore advanced concepts such as account abstraction and other Ethereum Improvement Proposals (EIPs). During these weeks, our enriched understanding led to engaging discussions, offering us deeper insights into the evolving landscape of blockchain technology.

In addition to individual assignments we were given throughout the bootcamp, we were organized into groups and assigned mini-projects, each offering bounties for the most exceptional teams. The competitive atmosphere further fueled our determination, and my team's achievement in winning one of those was undoubtedly a highlight of the bootcamp.

Fridays during the bootcamp featured unique one-hour sector talk sessions, during which industry experts shared their invaluable real-world insights.

Aside the enriching lessons, we were treated to delectable dishes for lunch and dinner. This culinary experience was an unexpected delight, adding to the overall enjoyment of the program. Furthermore, we received weekly stipends for transportation, a thoughtful gesture aimed at alleviating the financial burden of commuting to the bootcamp and enabling us to immerse ourselves fully in the learning experience. These stipends were however not handed out freely; they were earned through consistent class attendance (at least 70% of the time) and timely submission of assignments.

As the bootcamp drew to a close, the camaraderie among participants, late-night coding sessions, and shared meals became cherished memories etched in our minds.

The program was brought to a climax with a graduation ceremony held on September 25th. We were tasked with developing real-world solutions and presenting them to industry professionals and business leaders. The rigorous preparation leading up to this moment was a testament to our dedication. As we took turns presenting our ideas, the sense of accomplishment was palpable. Personally, I was honored to receive the award for the best Peer Mentor, an accolade that filled me with a sense of accomplishment.

The MEST/MASTERCARD Web 3.0 bootcamp was an immensely valuable experience. The openness and support of our tutors, the interactive class sessions, and the opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals made it an extraordinary journey. As I reflect upon this experience, I am brimming with gratitude for the knowledge gained, the connections established, and the memories created. This bootcamp has indelibly marked my journey into the world of Web 3.0, and I eagerly anticipate the exciting possibilities that lie ahead in this transformative field.