Embracing Growth, Curiosity, and Inclusivity: My Outreachy Journey from Bamenda, Cameroon to GNOME

Introduction:

Hello, I’m Tanjuate Brunostar Achaleke, a passionate tech enthusiast from Cameroon, currently navigating the exciting world of technology from the charming city of Bamenda. I am thrilled to share my first blog post about my transformative journey with Outreachy.

Core Values:

In navigating the vast landscape of life and work, I’ve come to appreciate and hold close three core values: Growth, Curiosity, and Inclusivity.

1. Growth:Growth is not just about climbing the career ladder; it’s about evolving as an individual. It’s the belief that every experience, whether smooth or challenging, contributes to our personal and professional development. I’ve always sought opportunities that push me out of my comfort zone, as it is in those moments of discomfort that true growth occurs. This value has been my guiding light, encouraging me to embrace challenges, learn from failures, and constantly strive to become the best version of myself.
2. Curiosity:Curiosity is the spark that ignites my passion for tech. I find joy in unraveling the intricacies of technologies and systems. The “why” and “how” behind every concept fascinate me. Curiosity is not just about acquiring knowledge; it’s about understanding the context and reasoning behind it. It’s this insatiable curiosity that has led me to choose software engineering as a career, and it continues to drive me to explore new ideas, perspectives, and solutions.
3. Inclusivity:Inclusivity is the cornerstone of my interactions and collaborations. It’s not just about diversity; it’s about creating an environment where everyone feels heard, valued, and respected. I firmly believe that diverse teams lead to richer ideas and innovative solutions. Inclusivity extends beyond professional realms; it’s a value that I carry into my daily interactions. Outreachy’s commitment to diversity and inclusivity resonates deeply with me, aligning perfectly with my own values.

Motivation for Applying to Outreachy:

The decision to apply to Outreachy was driven by a confluence of factors that perfectly aligned with my core values.

1. Diversity and Inclusivity: Outreachy’s unwavering commitment to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry instantly drew me in. The opportunity to contribute to open-source projects while being a part of a community that values varied perspectives and experiences felt like a perfect fit for my vision of a collaborative and inclusive tech landscape.
2. Professional and Personal Growth:Outreachy’s mentorship-driven approach aligns seamlessly with my value of continuous growth. The chance to work on impactful projects, guided by experienced mentors, not only enhances my technical skills but also provides a platform for personal development. It’s a unique opportunity to learn, contribute, and grow within a supportive community.
3. Curiosity and Exploration: Open-source projects, by nature, encourage curiosity and exploration. The vast array of projects available through Outreachy allows me to delve into areas I am passionate about, fostering an environment where curiosity is not only encouraged but celebrated.

Outreachy Assignment with GNOME:

I am delighted to share that I have been accepted to work with GNOME, under the expert guidance of two incredible mentors, Sam Thursfield and Sonny. This opportunity to contribute to GNOME’s open-source projects aligns perfectly with my core values and offers a unique chance to make a meaningful impact within the GNOME community.

Stay tuned for more updates on my Outreachy adventure! Thank you for joining me on this exciting ride.