My Outreachy Journey: Embracing Core Values and Exploring the Open Source World
Tags: outreachy, opensource, mboalab
Published: 2023-06-06 09:11:25

Hello, dear readers! 

I am thrilled to be sharing my first blog post about my incredible journey till now as an intern in Outreachy. This opportunity has already proven to be life-changing for me, and I can't wait to take you through my experiences and lessons learned along the way.

Allow me to introduce myself. I am a second-year engineering student, and being the first in my family to pursue this field, I often find myself overwhelmed by the vast array of technologies and possibilities that lie ahead.

My core values revolve around three key principles: a strong commitment to continuous learning and going the extra mile to accomplish tasks, an enthusiastic drive to explore new frontiers, and a sincere dedication to being an attentive listener. These values form the foundation of my character and shape my approach to life and work.

First and foremost, my unwavering willingness to learn propels me to continually expand my knowledge and skills. I embrace challenges and strive to exceed expectations, consistently pushing myself to achieve more.

Secondly, my inherent enthusiasm drives me to explore new realms and embrace novel experiences. I thrive on the excitement of discovering uncharted territories, pushing boundaries, and seeking fresh perspectives.

Lastly, being a good listener allows me to connect with others on a deeper level. By actively listening, understanding, and empathizing with different viewpoints, I foster meaningful relationships and create an inclusive environment where everyone feels valued.

These core values act as my guiding principles, inspiring me to pursue personal and professional growth while maintaining a strong sense of integrity and empathy. By embodying these values, I aim to make a positive impact and continually strive for excellence in all aspects of life.

It was less than a year ago that I joined LinkedIn, and witnessing the achievements of people around the world ignited a fire🔥 within me, driving me to work harder and aim higher🚀.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/zc83rz1tgdceb8yhc1v4.png)
Last October, I stumbled upon the world of Open Source, and it was truly an eye-opening experience.🤩 This newfound knowledge opened doors to a multitude of opportunities for me to learn and grow. Conversations with my college seniors further enlightened me about remarkable open-source programs such as Outreachy, GSOC, and GSOD. Intrigued by the positive impact and immense potential of open source, I immersed myself in articles and blogs that delved into its causes and advantages. It was during this exploration that I felt an overwhelming desire to give it a shot and contribute in my own way😊.

From December onwards, I eagerly awaited the opening of the Outreachy application. Although I was a complete beginner in different technologies and open source, a sense of determination overshadowed any fears or anxieties I had. I firmly believed that giving my best, regardless of the outcome, was of paramount importance. 

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/rh4fgty4p6gufi9o61vu.png)

The initial application process involved answering eligibility questions and completing a set of essay questions that allowed me to express my passion and drive for this program. I completed and submitted my application within a week of its opening.

In February, the results were announced, and to my utmost delight, I was selected in the initial round. 

Now, the real hustle began – the Contribution Period. Outreachy released a list of companies and their projects participating in the Outreachy '23 program. Being relatively new to Flutter, a technology I had been exploring for a few months, I searched for projects related to Flutter and was fortunate to stumble upon a captivating project called "Improve-a-digital-Stethoscope-app" by Mboalab Cameroon. Excitement surged through me as I joined their Slack and WhatsApp groups, where the mentors and fellow contributors warmly welcomed me and provided invaluable guidance.

![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/0vgx58jszmnhlrj02o7k.jpg)

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My mentors, Jafsia Elisee and Ruqaiya Sattar, explained the tasks that needed to be completed during the Contribution Period. Despite my limited familiarity with Flutter, I was determined not to give up halfway. I immersed myself in documentation, articles, and studied similar project codes to gain a better understanding. After much effort, I proudly submitted my first pull request (PR), and receiving positive feedback from my mentor filled me with joy and motivation. I continued to strive for improvement with each subsequent PR, constantly working to enhance the quality of my contributions. Before I knew it, a month had flown by, and I was filled with a deep sense of satisfaction as several of my PRs were merged into the project.

As the time to apply for an internship position approached, I had to submit a detailed timeline along with essays that described why I wished to intern with Mboalab, Outreachy, and GitHub repositories showcasing my skills relevant to the project, as well as the PRs I had created during the Contribution Period. With a mixture of excitement, anticipation, and nervousness, I submitted my application and anxiously awaited the final results.

On May 4, 2023, a wave of euphoria swept over me as the results were announced, and I received the incredible news that I had been selected as an intern. It felt as if I were on cloud nine, overwhelmed with happiness and a deep sense of accomplishment. The journey I had embarked upon with Outreachy exceeded my expectations, leaving me with cherished memories that will forever hold a special place in my heart.


![Image description](https://dev-to-uploads.s3.amazonaws.com/uploads/articles/fbyssu0bsz8j4xh3l18y.png)

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I am immensely grateful to my mentor, Ruqaiya Sattar, whose unwavering support and prompt responses to my queries played a pivotal role in my success. Her guidance and encouragement gave me the confidence to navigate the challenges and explore new horizons during this transformative experience.

In my upcoming blog posts, I will delve into the fascinating journey that awaits me as an intern at Outreachy. I will share the remarkable insights, lessons, and triumphs I encounter along the way, providing a glimpse into the world of open source and the impactful work being done by dedicated individuals. Stay tuned as I embark on this amazing adventure, and together we will uncover the intricacies and joys of being an intern in Outreachy.

💠 Outreachy Website - [https://www.outreachy.org/](https://www.outreachy.org/)

💠 My Socials - [🔗LinkTree](https://linktr.ee/fly_high_nikhi)