Failing Forward: My Path to an Outreachy Internship

Introduction

Hi everyone! I'm Chinedu Ihedioha, a recent Outreachy intern (May-August 2024) for the ODK-X community. I'll be creating Android tests for their Android Tools project, ensuring new code functions as intended. As a backend developer with experience in Java, Springboot, Dropwizard, and more, I'm eager to expand my skillset.

Persistence Pays Off

This is my third attempt at an Outreachy internship. My journey began in early 2023 as I was finishing my university degree. A friend introduced me to the Outreachy open-source community and the exciting opportunity to contribute to various projects. I applied with enthusiasm, eager to learn and contribute.

While I didn't make it to the contribution stage in my first application, my determination wasn't dampened. My second attempt saw me reach the contribution stage, but I fell short of the final hurdle. These experiences fueled my perseverance, and here I am, finally an Outreachy intern!

This journey has instilled in me the three core values that guide me not only in Outreachy but in life: learning, consistency, and communication

• Lifelong Learner: I view every opportunity as a chance to gain new skills. When I saw this project required writing tests, I embraced the challenge. In this ever-evolving world, continuous learning is crucial. While venturing into unfamiliar territory can be daunting, I've learned to embrace exploration and research new concepts.

• The Power of Consistency: As the saying goes, "practice makes perfect." I consistently practice new concepts by creating mini-projects to grasp the fundamentals and architecture of emerging technologies. Consistency is my key to mastering new skills.

• Communication is Key: Clear communication is vital in software development. It allows engineers and non-technical folks to understand my implementations. Effective communication applies to all fields, from asking questions to conveying ideas. I constantly remind myself of this as I strive to become a world-class developer.

Why Outreachy?

My motivation for applying to this internship was threefold:

• Skill Acquisition: I yearned to learn new software engineering concepts and put them into practice by contributing to Outreachy and open-source projects.

• Community Connection: I wanted to connect with the wider open-source community and contribute to the learning journeys of others.

Looking Ahead

I'm thrilled to embark on this open-source contribution journey! I'll be sharing my learning experiences, achievements, and milestones on my blog. Stay tuned to follow my journey!