Finding My Place in Open Source: My Outreachy Story

Hello World🤗

Don't worry, this is really short.

Hi, I'm Chidinma Y.S Egwuogu. I am a content writer from Nigeria and an Outreachy intern on the Oppia project. This is my first post on my Outreachy journey.

In this post, I am going to talk about my core values and why I applied for the Outreachy internship

PS: This is also my first hashnode post. So, yayyyy🎉

My Core Values

Every journey needs guiding lights and I have found mine in creativity, humor, and kindness.

Creativity

Creativity is my escape. It is a shiny kite that takes me beyond the limits of ordinary thinking. It allows me to see connections and beauty where others don't and helps me think outside the box.

It's what makes me giddy with excitement at new possibilities, and fuels my curiosity.

Creativity, for me, isn't just about making art—it's finding unique solutions to problems and enjoying the process too. Finally, It's my tool for transforming simple words into engaging, impactful stories that resonate with readers.

Humor

Humor keeps me balanced in the whirlwind of life. It reminds me to laugh in the face of difficulties and not take life too seriously. It is what keeps me going, and it's something I love to share with people.

A well-placed joke or a witty observation can brighten the day and lighten the mood. Humor is my secret sauce for making relatable content. It’s the unexpected twist that keeps readers engaged, the light-hearted touch that makes complex subjects simple.

Kindness

Kindness is what makes us better humans. It is what I use to measure my words and actions.

Would it hurt them? Is it worth the pain?

Kindness is the thread of empathy and understanding that ties us all together. To me, practicing kindness means bringing a bit of warmth and care into every interaction, both in life and through my writing. Kindness is how I hope to make the world a little better, one word at a time.

And it is what brought me to open source.

Applying to Outreachy

I first heard about open source during a Google DevFest Event my friend invited me to. They talked about how open source helped people with different challenges get access to resources that are usually inaccessible or gatekept.

I was intrigued. I couldn't imagine the level of collaboration this entailed. I wanted to contribute, but I had the notion that it was just for those with core technical skills.

And I was only a writer. I didn't think I stood a chance.

Well, until Outreachy.

My Outreachy Application

I applied to Outreachy to challenge myself. To step outside my comfort zone, to dive into the technical world, not with code, but with words. I told myself, "Outreachy stands out because it cherishes diversity and values contribution. You don't have to fit the mold. You want to help. You are passionate. You can do it."

I saw in Outreachy an opportunity to grow, learn, and contribute in my unique way. And that was what strengthened me throughout the application process and the contribution phase.

The Adventure Ahead with Oppia.org

I'm looking forward to my journey with Oppia.org as an Outreachy intern. I'll be tapping into my creativity to develop fun, engaging learning experiences for underserved kids and people around the world. I'll also try my best to ensure that the content we create is empathetic and inclusive.

In short, I’m eager to bring my skills and values to a project that can touch the lives of students worldwide.

To Outreachy, or Not to Outreachy

Here's a word for anyone who feels they might not fit into the 'typical' tech-y fit: There’s a place for you here. The world of open source thrives on diversity, so embrace your unique skills and perspectives. Trust in your ability to contribute and make a difference, because every contribution counts.

So, here's to the start of an amazing journey. Let's do this!