My journey starts on the 2nd of August, 2022 when my senior Chiranjeev asked me to fill out the form. We have heard about GCE a lot of times but applying for it is something different for me. I was like don’t joke around me do I look like a GCE to you and he said there is no loss from your side, at least give it a try. Firstly I was quite hesitant because I know how someone like me can get into this but somewhere deep in our hearts everyone wants this opportunity. So I sat down with my laptop, analyzing the questions and reading every detail on GCE.
Now it’s time to write down the answers, it took me around 3–4 hours for writing the first draft of the answers. I write my heart out in it; honestly speaking, I’ve never written anything with so much emotion. It’s not like I write cliches and all, it’s just you can feel the person’s warmth in one’s application. I honestly wrote about my experiences, my willingness to extend my communities network, etc. I’ve no idea about reviewing the applications LOL. I just show my answers to my senior and all he said was, “Priyanshi use Grammarly broo. XD” After 2–3 days of self-correction and reading the application again and again I submitted it on 9/11/2022. Fast forward to the 20th of September when I was sitting in the class and got a mail that I have cleared the first round. I was numb for a sec don’t know how to express myself.I will suggest you to write the answers honestly and don't hurry up, take your time to answer the questions and show it to other GCE's for review.
Now my next round is to submit a video. It was my first time applying, so I have no idea how to do this, but everyone has their first time. I write down the script with the help of my friends. I practiced it around 10 times and then start shooting the video. I still remember it took me 21 takes to get a proper video in one take. I was happy with my script and submitted it. What I focus on is making the script attractive and sticking to the questions that they have asked.
It was the 1st of November, I woke up with a mail from Juan stating that you’ve been accepted to the GitHub Campus Experts Program. This is one of the best moments of my life. The Program which I know I will get rejected give me the confidence of applying for anything without thinking of the result. I realized that never be afraid of taking the first step. And from here the new journey of life begins. I got to meet so many people from different countries on the onboarding call.
The training period was a roller coaster ride for me because I messed up submitting the PR ;). It takes me a lot of time to resolve it. Well, GCE has a month-long training where we need to complete some modules regarding the community. It covers all the aspects of a community and improves us as a leader. It has widened my vision and improved my perspective towards the community. I’ve met many people from different countries and communities during this period. Anshumaan from Chattisgarh, Allan from Kenya, Palak from Delhi, Abdul Raheem from Pakistan, and many more.
Now the next step is an Onboarding call with Juan and that’s it you are now officially a GitHub Campus Expert. Entering one of the best communities, having diverse leaders and everyone being so talented.
This Program has changed me a lot and the girl who can not even think of being a GCE is now documenting her journey because we sometimes need a push and here is yours. What I learned during these few months can be summarised as :
Never be afraid of rejection.
Ask for help whenever required. Trust me some people will help you out.
Take your step (I know the first step is always tough)
Be confident about yourself.
It’s okay to mess up. After all, we all are developers.
Hey you, the one reading this blog, you can do this. I’m rooting for you and if you need help do not hesitate to ask for it.
Thank you for reading my journey.
