👋🏼 Hello and welcome to my blog space where I share everything about my journey with Outreachy, HOTOSM and more. Thank you for joining me on this exciting journey! I am very excited to be part of the Outreachy program and If you’re interested in knowing the rest of my story, which I am willing to share it all :), please subscribe to my posts, so you get notified every time I publish a blog on my journey. Just like everything that ever existed, there’s always a beginning. So let’s zoom🔍 out a little bit to where it all began 😊.

Introduction

My name is Eden Oluigbo. I am a full-stack developer, artist and creator living in Abuja, Nigeria. I'm an open-source advocate and love contributing to the improvement of open source software. I started an active contribution to open-source projects in 2022. I joined different communities, made contributions and got PR merges (that excitement of having your PR merged never gets old haha😁).

Why Outreachy?

In the process of my active contribution to open source, I found out about [Outreachy](www.outreachy.org) on twitter (now X). I did my research and was excited about their commitment to diversity within the open source community, so I applied for the December 2023 cohorts and I got selected for a 3 months internship at Humanitarian OpenStreetMap Team [HOTOSM](www.hotosm.org) , where I will be making contributions as a "Tech Community Engagement Intern" staring from December 4th, 2023 to March 1st, 2024.

The contribution phase was quite busy, but it got fun as we attained more clarity in my group at HOTOSM. The collaborative spirit was palpable and I cannot overemphasise how amazing and patient my mentor, Petya Kangalova is. If you’re an Outreachy applicant reading my story, and maybe wasn’t accepted for the internship, do not be discouraged. Our stories are different and so is our journey. Continue your journey in open source, improve more on your skills, and apply again. I’ve read stories of people who got accepted on their second application. In the meantime, celebrate with me and keep learning! 🎉

My Core Values

Core values are important personality traits. In the intricate essence of our lives, core values serves as the foundational layers, binding together the fabric of our characters and defining the essence of who we are. Here are the core values that inspired my journey with Outreachy and HOTOSM.

1. Diversity:

I love and celebrate Diversity. The recognition that each unique expression of our differences contributes to the richness of the whole. In a world adorned with varieties of cultures, perspectives and backgrounds; embracing diversity expands our horizons, fostering an environment where every voice is heard. Outreachy and HOTOSM are vivid homes of diversity😊

2. Curiosity:

Curiosity is the spark that ignites discovery. I was that kid that would open up a toy car, or a TV remote, because I wanted to see what's inside that makes the car move or what makes the remote control the TV. My mom liked that I was curious to learn, but didn't like the part I was destroying things😅. I love to ask questions, I want to know how things work, seeking to understand and venture into the unknown. That's how I learnt the things I know today, and I don't intend to stop. A commitment to curiosity fuels perpetual learning, turning every encounter into an opportunity for growth and broadening our perspectives.

3. Creativity & Excellence:

I have a mantra that guides my output to anything I'm doing, and that is "If it's not good enough for me, then it's not good enough for the next person". So, I commit to delivering my very best, not as a destination, but as a means, which results to a relentless pursuit of high standards. I consider myself VERY creative, and that allows me to bring a brush of originality and innovation, not to reinvent the wheel, but to improve on what already exists.

Conclusion

These core values are my anchors and inspiration for being part of the Outreachy program (fiscally sponsored by Software Freedom Conservancy). I have no regret in joining Outreachy and more so, I am super excited to be selected to work in an organisation in line with my values and passion for humanity, HOTOSM.

I love it here at [HOTOSM](www.hotosm.org) ; the community is diverse and inclusive. The staff are super kind and teachable; eager to share what they know and open to learn from you. Work-life balance lives here. My mentor [Petya Kangalova](www.twitter.com/PKangalova) ; she's just amazing!💯😎

I look forward to making a positive impact and leaving a good example for the next intern at HOTOSM. For a quick start, I created this guide to contributing to HOTOSM projects. Please click [here](https://youtu.be/fHnWWxBNSTg) to watch the video. I encourage you to [join HOTOSM](http://slack.hotosm.org/) and build a career through open-source contribution in a diverse and inclusive community!