Fueling the Fire: My Motivation to Apply for Outreachy

Practice Patience.

Fueling the Fire: My Motivation to Apply for Outreachy

Introduction:

Hey there, wonderful people! I'm Anisha from New Delhi, India :)

Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey! I'm thrilled to share my experience with Outreachy. Let's dive right in and explore together!

I have some exciting news to share

—I've been selected for the current cohort of Outreachy(May 2023- Aug 2023) with Mboalab! However, it wasn't an easy path. This is actually my second attempt and I've worked on improving my skills and practicing patience which is why I'm here today.

But here's the important part: don't lose hope if you don't succeed on your first try. Every journey is unique. Have a great time reading my blog!


My Core Values:

  1. Learning

  2. Responsibility

  3. Respect

Continuous Learning: I value continuous learning. It means seeking knowledge, developing skills, and having a growth mindset. Learning is a lifelong journey that offers personal and professional growth. I stay curious and open-minded to reach my full potential.

"I began my journey in Android development(with Kotlin) out of curiosity. In my previous round, I worked with Wagtail. Wagtail is a content management system that uses Python. During the project, I made some small code contributions and had my changes accepted and merged into the codebase. However, this time in Outreachy, I had the opportunity to explore Flutter, a widely-used technology that speeds up development. Throughout my journey, I had tortured my laptop with extensive code setups." 🤭

You can view my contributions here: GitHub

Responsibility: Taking responsibility is important to me. I own my actions and keep my commitments. By being honest and accountable, I build trust and work towards my goals with confidence.

Respect: I believe in treating every individual with respect, regardless of age or position. It creates a safe and welcoming environment where people can express themselves and seek guidance. Everyone deserves dignity and respect.


Why Outreachy?

What motivated me to apply for Outreachy?

What truly inspires me to apply for Outreachy is the opportunity to make my voice heard in today's competitive environment. I have completed my bachelor's degree in computer applications (BCA), which is a three-year program in India.

As someone from a BCA background, I noticed the lack of awareness about the field. While actively participating in open-source communities, joining Outreachy has been a game-changer. It's an incredible platform that offers visibility and a chance to showcase my skills. I'm immensely grateful for this opportunity to make a meaningful impact.


My First week so far:

Currently, I have the privilege of interning at @Mboalab.🎉 under the guidance of Agien Petra Ukeh and jafsia elisee.

(Mboalab is an open and collaborative space located in Yaoundé, Cameroon, MboaLab aims to catalyze sustainable local development and improve people's living conditions through open science).

Project: "Create a platform to link-up medical facilities globally".

Thus far, my experience has been incredible as we approach our project meeting scheduled for this Friday( 2 Jun 2023). I am excited about it. The mentors have proven to be remarkably supportive and encouraging throughout the process.

As I reflect on my journey, I can't help but wonder why I hadn't applied sooner. The positive environment within this community is truly remarkable, and the way they treat every individual with respect is inspiring. I am grateful to be a part of this community now and I look forward to staying connected even beyond my time here.

Although Flutter is quite new for me, I am thoroughly enjoying the learning experience while working on this project!! :)


How to Apply?

The Outreachy internship program happens twice a year;(May to August, or December to March) however, it is important to visit their website and review the eligibility criteria thoroughly before applying. [https://www.outreachy.org/]

I will provide a comprehensive breakdown of the rounds and application process in a separate blog post. Keep an eye out for more information coming soon!🧐


What Outreachy Offers?

  • Unlocking Opportunities: Outreachy brings a world of possibilities, including networking with like-minded individuals, achieving professional growth, and gaining valuable experience through remote work. It's a chance to expand your horizons, connect with industry experts, and develop skills that propel your career forward.

  • The Power of Paid Remote: With paid remote work, you can connect with people worldwide and discover new technologies. You'll also receive a generous stipend, like $7000, so you can concentrate on your internship without worrying about money. This will make you more confident as you navigate the professional world.


I am glad you stayed till the end!😊 Stay tuned for more information in the next blog.

Key Takeaways:

Apply To Outreachy:

  • If you have experienced a lack of recognition for your voice and talents.

  • Faced discrimination.

  • If you want to start your career with open source.

  • Or simply want personal transformation.

Gender is not a barrier as every individual is welcomed with open arms.

Excited for the journey ahead at Mboalab! This opportunity will enhance skills, drive growth, and shape a remarkable career.

"I am committed to advocating for skill-based opportunities".

#come let's overcome restrictive labels. ~Anisha.

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