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Tags: hack23contributor
Published: 2023-10-22 09:21:05

# My First Hacktoberfest Journey: A Novice's Exploration of Open Source

### Intro
Hey there, I'm Lokeshwar, and this year marked my debut in the fascinating world of open source during Hacktoberfest 2023. I was a complete novice in this domain, having no prior experience with contributing to open-source projects. With a passion for coding and a thirst for learning, I embarked on this journey by exploring the realms of GitHub, and I'm excited to share my experience.

### Highs and Lows
This Hacktoberfest was a rollercoaster ride, full of highs and a few challenging lows. Let me walk you through some of my experiences:

**Highs:**

1. **First Pull Request (PR):** The excitement of creating and submitting my very first pull request was exhilarating. It was a small documentation fix, but it felt like a significant milestone.

2. **Positive Feedback:** Receiving positive feedback and encouragement from experienced open-source contributors was a high point for me. Their words of appreciation and guidance motivated me to keep going.

3. **Learning New Skills:** Hacktoberfest pushed me to dive into various technologies and languages. I learned about Git, GitHub, and version control, which are invaluable skills for any developer.

4. **Meeting the Community:** Engaging with the open-source community was a remarkable experience. Sharing ideas, collaborating, and learning from like-minded individuals was a fantastic part of this journey.

**Lows:**

1. **Navigating Complex Codebases:** As a beginner, I found it daunting to navigate and understand some of the larger open-source projects. It was sometimes overwhelming, but I learned to break down the tasks into smaller, manageable chunks.

2. **Facing Rejections:** There were instances when my pull requests were rejected or marked as invalid. Initially, it was disheartening, but I realized that this is a part of the learning process. I sought feedback, made improvements, and resubmitted with determination.

### Growth
Before Hacktoberfest 2023, my skillset was limited to a few programming languages and basic web development. However, the experience has brought about significant growth in my knowledge and skill set:

1. **Version Control Mastery:** I now have a strong understanding of Git and how it is used in collaborative software development. This skill will undoubtedly benefit my future projects and career.

2. **Exploring New Technologies:** Hacktoberfest exposed me to various technologies, frameworks, and languages. I took the opportunity to dive into areas I hadn't explored before, broadening my horizons.

3. **Community Engagement:** Interacting with the open-source community and learning to communicate effectively with fellow developers has been invaluable. This experience has taught me the importance of collaboration and effective teamwork.

4. **Career Goals:** My career goals have evolved during Hacktoberfest. I now aspire to contribute regularly to open-source projects and expand my portfolio. This event has reinforced my passion for coding and community-driven development.

In conclusion, my first Hacktoberfest has been an eye-opening experience. It has not only enhanced my technical skills but also my perspective on the power of open-source collaboration. I'm looking forward to continuing my journey in the open-source world, learning, growing, and making meaningful contributions to the community.