diff --git a/content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md b/content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md new file mode 100644 index 000000000000..837cc942f7b0 --- /dev/null +++ b/content/en/blog/2025/outreachy-internship.md @@ -0,0 +1,101 @@ +--- +title: Reflecting on my Outreachy Journey +linkTitle: Outreachy Internship +date: 2025-03-11 +author: '[Richard Chukwu](https://github.com/richardchukwu)' +issue: 6488 +sig: Contributor Experience +cSpell:ignore: # Chukwu Marylia Outreachy +--- + +Hello world! I’m Richard Chukwu, a Computer Engineering graduate from the University of Benin, Nigeria. My journey into tech has +been fueled by a blend of curiosity and an unwavering commitment to growth. +These are the pillars that not only uphold my personal values but also form the +foundation of my professional aspirations. + +I still remember the nervous excitement I felt when I received the +[email](https://x.com/RichardChukwu_/status/1862390957217333461) confirming my +selection for +[Outreachy](https://richardchukwu.hashnode.dev/outreachy-internship-introduction-first-day-of-my-internship#heading-determination). +It was a moment of validation, but also one filled with uncertainty. Could I +truly make an impact in open source? Would I be able to contribute meaningfully +to a project as vast and complex as OpenTelemetry? Now, as I wrap up this +incredible journey, I can say with confidence that the experience has been +transformative in ways I never imagined. + +## Overcoming Fear: Imposter Syndrome Didn’t Win + +One of my biggest fears stepping into Outreachy was imposter syndrome. +OpenTelemetry is a widely used project, and I worried about keeping up with +seasoned contributors. However, I quickly realized that the open source +community thrives on collaboration, mentorship, and shared learning. My mentor +and the community members were incredibly supportive, always willing to guide me +when I felt stuck. I learned that asking questions and seeking help is not a +weakness — it’s how we grow. + +## A Highlight: Seeing My Work Make an Impact + +One of the most fulfilling moments of my internship was when my +[first major contribution](https://github.com/open-telemetry/opentelemetry-erlang/pull/825) — a +detailed setup guide for OpenTelemetry Erlang contributors was merged. What +seemed like a simple task at first turned into a deep dive into improving +developer onboarding, documenting tribal knowledge, and making contributions +more accessible. Seeing community members reference my work and use it to get +started was an incredibly rewarding feeling. It reminded me why I love open +source — it's about creating something that empowers others. + +## Growth in Skills and Confidence + +This internship stretched my technical and communication skills in ways I hadn’t +expected. On the technical side, I gained a deeper understanding of: + +- OpenTelemetry’s instrumentation and architecture. +- Observability and its role in modern distributed systems. +- Documentation best practices and how to bridge the gap between technical + complexity and accessibility. + +On the communication side, I learned how to: + +- Engage in meaningful discussions in GitHub issues and PRs. +- Synthesize feedback from multiple contributors and maintainers. +- Document processes in a way that is both clear and effective for a global + audience. + +Most importantly, Outreachy gave me the confidence to contribute to open source +projects beyond this internship. I now see myself as part of the broader open +source ecosystem, and I’m excited to continue making meaningful contributions. + +## Project Contributions and Future Directions + +During my tenure, I completed the creation of the +[setup guide for contributions on OpenTelemetry](https://github.com/open-telemetry/sig-contributor-experience/issues/31) +and contributed to refining existing documentation. Moving forward, I aim to +continue my involvement with the OpenTelemetry community, focusing on expanding +resources that facilitate contributor engagement. + +## The Role of My Mentor + +My mentor, [Marylia Gutierrez](https://github.com/maryliag), played a crucial +role in my journey. She not only provided guidance on technical issues but also +encouraged me to think critically and independently. She fostered a welcoming +environment where I felt comfortable experimenting, failing, and learning from +my mistakes. Her patience and willingness to share knowledge made a lasting +impact on me. + +## What’s Next? + +As I complete my Outreachy internship with CNCF OpenTelemetry, I’m looking ahead +to my next steps. I want to continue working in cloud native technologies and +observability, contributing to open source projects that improve developer +experience and system reliability. I’m actively seeking opportunities where I +can apply my skills, whether it’s in open source advocacy, cloud engineering, or +observability solutions. + +To anyone considering [Outreachy](https://www.outreachy.org/), I say: go for it! +This internship has been a gateway to new opportunities, networks, and a deeper +belief in my abilities. I’m grateful for the experience and excited for what the +future holds. + +If you’d like to chat about open source contributions, cloud native technology, +or potential opportunities, +[let’s connect](https://www.linkedin.com/in/richardchukwu1/)!