Embracing Change: My Journey from Dev to Design!

Hey there, readers! I’m thrilled to have you join me on this blog post as I share my exciting Outreachy internship experience. I’m Deborah, and I can’t wait to take you through my transformation from development to design. So, grab a cup of coffee and get ready to dive into my story!

Core Values:

1. Unleashing Creativity: When it comes to creativity, I’m all in! From a young age, I’ve been captivated by the power of ideas and expressing myself through various mediums. Creativity fuels my work, pushing me to think beyond the ordinary, challenge conventions, and create unique solutions. Transitioning from coding to design has allowed me to amplify my creative potential, infusing fresh perspectives into every project and transforming everyday experiences into something extraordinary.
2. Embracing Growth: Growth is the name of the game! I firmly believe that life is an adventure of continuous learning and personal development. When the opportunity arose to switch gears from development to design, I eagerly embraced the challenge. Each step of this journey has been a catalyst for growth, as I immerse myself in learning design principles and expanding my skill set. Embracing growth is not only about honing my design prowess but also about pushing the boundaries of what I can achieve.
3. Empathy FTW: Designing with empathy at the core is my mantra. Understanding people’s emotions and creating inclusive experiences is my mission. Empathy empowers me to connect with users on a deeper level, ensuring that the designs I create resonate with their needs and aspirations. Transitioning into the world of design has fueled my empathy even further, as I strive to make a positive impact through thoughtful and user-centric design solutions.

Motivation to Join Outreachy:

Let’s dive into what motivated me to embark on this incredible journey with Outreachy. Picture this: a passionate soul seeking growth, collaboration, and impactful projects. Outreachy’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity in open source communities resonated with me on a profound level. The opportunity to work alongside talented contributors, contribute to meaningful projects, and receive mentorship from experienced professionals was too good to pass up. Joining Outreachy felt like finding my tribe — a supportive community where I could unleash my potential and make a difference.

My Outreachy Application Journey:

Getting into Outreachy was no small feat, but it was a journey worth every step. I went through both the initial and final application processes, each presenting its unique challenges and opportunities for growth. The initial application required me to showcase my skills, share my motivation, and outline the impact I hoped to make through my contributions. With careful preparation and determination, I successfully advanced to the final application stage. (Although it took three applications, third times a charm right😁)

The final application was an intensive process where I had the chance to demonstrate my technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and passion for the project. It was a thrilling experience to collaborate with mentors and showcase my potential to contribute meaningfully. After putting my heart and soul into the final application, I received the news that I had been selected to intern with Mboalab – an incredible moment that filled me with joy and a sense of accomplishment.

Outreachy Application Process

Outreachy follows a rigorous yet rewarding application process that aims to identify talented individuals from diverse backgrounds. It begins with the initial application, where applicants submit their qualifications, background, and motivation for participating. This stage allows the Outreachy organizers to assess the potential fit between the applicants and the available projects.

Successful applicants move on to the final application phase (contribution phase), where they dive deeper into their technical abilities and demonstrate their problem-solving skills. This stage involves working on real-world scenarios or contributing to open-source projects. The final application phase is a chance for applicants to showcase their expertise, receive mentorship, and collaborate with the open-source community. It’s an exciting and intensive period where applicants can truly showcase their passion and potential.

Once the selection process is complete, the chosen interns, like myself, have the privilege of joining esteemed organizations such as Mboalab. This is where the real magic happens – immersing ourselves in a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for making a difference in the world through technology.

Working with Mboalab

Interning with Mboalab has been a dream come true. The moment I joined their community, I was greeted with open arms and warm smiles. The mentorship and support I’ve received from the talented team have been invaluable. From day one, I was given the opportunity to dive into exciting projects and contribute my unique perspective to the development of a platform that links medical facilities globally.

Collaborating with other contributors during the Outreachy contribution period has been an incredible experience. The sense of camaraderie and shared purpose is palpable. We have been able to learn from each other, celebrate our victories, and support one another through challenges. It truly feels like a collaboration rather than a competition, with everyone working together to achieve a common goal.

Not only did I have the opportunity to contribute my skills and knowledge, but I also had the chance to lend a helping hand to fellow contributors. Whether it was assisting others with installing Git on their devices, troubleshooting bugs, or answering questions, I found immense joy in being able to contribute to the success of my peers. The sense of unity and support within the Mboalab community has made this journey even more fulfilling.

Looking Ahead

As I reflect on my journey from development to design, I am grateful for the opportunities that Outreachy and Mboalab have provided me. I have grown both personally and professionally, expanding my horizons and gaining a deeper understanding of the impact that technology can have on the world.

Moving forward, I am excited to continue honing my design skills and making a tangible difference through the creation of a platform that connects medical facilities globally. I am eager to contribute to the user interface, develop intuitive features, and ensure an inclusive and user-centric experience for all users.

Conclusion

In conclusion, my transition from development to design has been a remarkable journey filled with growth, collaboration, and new horizons. Outreachy has provided me with the platform to showcase my potential, connect with a diverse and supportive community, and make meaningful contributions to open source projects.

Thank you for joining me on this adventure, and stay tuned for more updates as I continue to navigate the world of design and technology. Together, let’s create a brighter future through innovation, collaboration, and the power of open source!

Until next time,

Deborah :)