Hii, I am Monalika Patnaik, a sophomore pursuing Computer Science Engineering at Indira Gandhi Delhi Technical University for Women (IGDTUW) New Delhi, India. Open-Source is my first love and my passion lies mostly in contributing to open-source communities and solving algorithmic puzzles while sipping coffee. I have a deep interest in Cloud Computing and Artificial Intelligence/ Machine Learning never fails to entice me. Currently, I am interning with OpenFoodFacts under the Perl Foundation as a part of Outreachy May Cohort’23 and my delight knows no bounds :-)
My Core Values: Curiosity, Community and Learning
Curiosity: Curiosity lies at the heart of open source. It drives us into the depth of the issues and passionately contributes to a codebase that resonates worldwide. As I embarked on my journey with OpenFoodFacts, curiosity became the driving force behind my contribution efforts. It led me to dig deeper into the project's codebase, eagerly exploring its intricacies, and asking questions that challenged my understanding. Through the project's supportive community and mentorship, my curiosity has flourished, fostering an environment where questions are welcomed and curiosity is nurtured. Whether it was seeking clarification on coding techniques, delving into the depth of the project, or understanding the project's broader impact, curiosity acted as my guiding light, propelling me forward on my contribution journey.
Community: I am a strong believer in community-building and collaboration. Community plays a vital role in driving innovation, sharing knowledge and collectively improving the scope of the project. Through the power of community, we foster collaboration, amplify our impact, and create a space where every voice is valued and heard. Within the OpenFoodFacts community, I discovered a nurturing and supportive environment that embraces the spirit of togetherness, support, and inclusivity. A strong community of like-minded individuals helps you to harness your skills and finding solutions to even the most challenging problems. I am always grateful to the community and mentors for their invaluable help.
Learning: As I dived into the project, I realized that each contribution became an avenue for learning. Whether it was understanding the project's codebase or exploring a new programming language, every task presented an opportunity to expand my skills and deepen my understanding. Each contribution, whether it was tackling a complex bug, working on server issues, or enhancing user experience, required me to delve deep into the subject matter, research best practices, and acquire new skills. Beyond technical skills, I've also gained valuable experience in collaboration, communication, and management. Engaging in discussions, attending meetings, and participating in code reviews have sharpened my ability to articulate ideas and work effectively within a distributed team.
What really motivated me to apply at Outreachy?
Outreachy presented a unique avenue to challenge myself, expand my knowledge, and enhance my technical abilities. The structured nature of the program, coupled with the guidance of experienced mentors, promised an environment conducive to learning and pushing boundaries. The prospect of working on real-world projects alongside industry professionals fueled my motivation to apply. The exposure to cutting-edge technologies, collaborative workflows, and industry best practices would undoubtedly accelerate my growth as a software developer. Contributing to open-source projects that promote social good and address real-world challenges aligned perfectly with my passion for leveraging technology for positive change. The knowledge that my contributions could have a lasting impact, no matter how small, ignited a sense of purpose and determination within me. I am incredibly grateful to Outreachy for providing this incredible opportunity and for their dedication to fostering diversity and inclusivity in the tech industry. I am super excited and looking forward to learn and contribute.
Thankyou so much for reading!!