Progress is a Marathon, not a Sprint.
The Unexpected Happened in Week Two.
My name is Cynthia Osarumwense Udoh, and I’m a content writer and a tech enthusiast. I have three years of experience in writing technical content; over time, I’ve developed a keen eye for details, constantly aiming to develop an unmatched ability to break down complex topics into easily digestible pieces.
As a passionate advocate for gender diversity in the tech industry, I’m committed to ensuring that ladies who want to learn about web2 and web3 can access all the necessary resources. My dedication to this cause is evident in my work as a content writer and mentor for She Code Africa Benin and as the Technical Writing Club Lead at Web3Ladies. In addition to my technical writing skills, I enjoy writing children's fiction. With my vivid imagination and creative flair, I craft stories that captivate and inspire young minds.
I’m a graduate of Medical Biochemistry from the University of Benin, where I honed my research and analytical skills. As a writing mentor, I draw on this experience to guide aspiring writers in developing their craft and finding their unique voices. Currently, I’m pursuing my passion for web2 technology by learning front-end development. With my dedication to learning and my natural curiosity, I hope to excel in this field.
Dear Outreachy participants,
Let’s be honest: Outreachy contribution stage can sometimes be overwhelming–especially if it’s your first time. This is my first time entering the contribution phase after several applications, and when the contribution period began, I was determined to make it count and lend a helping hand to my fellow Outreachy applicants.
Just When I Settled in
When things were starting to pick up, I got sick and had to take a step back for a while. The road to recovery wasn’t easy, and when I finally returned to the communities I was eager to contribute to, Wagtail and Wikimedia, I felt like a stranger in a familiar land. The comfort and familiarity I had seemed to have vanished, leaving me feeling lost and overwhelmed. felt like I had missed a lot and that I was behind everyone else.
While I was trying my best to catch up from where I stopped on my list of tasks to be done in the Wagtail community, which was to write a blog post about everything I’d learned so far given by our mentor, Thibaud. All I wanted to do was pour out my experiences and lessons, but the words just wouldn’t come. My mind was as blank as empty Google doc, leaving me alone with the looming presence of writer’s block.
To make things worse, impostor syndrome decided to gatecrash the party. As I looked around at my fellow Outreachy applicants, I couldn’t help but question if I truly belonged. The feeling of not being good enough weighed on my shoulders.
I thought to myself, “Maybe I’m not good enough for Outreachy,” “Maybe I should just give up,” “Am I cut out for this?” and, “What if my contributions aren’t good enough?”
Finding My Way Back
So, you’re probably asking, how have I been able to manage everything?
Talked to my close friends. My friends were supportive and understanding. They listened to me vent about my feelings and offered encouragement.
Did a lot of self-talk. I told myself that I was smart, talented, and capable. I also affirmed that I deserved to be in Outreachy and that I could overcome any challenge.
Broke down my tasks into smaller, more manageable bits. Instead of thinking about writing a whole blog post, I focused on writing one paragraph at a time.
Took breaks. When I felt overwhelmed, I would take a few minutes to step away from my computer and clear my head. I would go for a walk, listen to music, or talk to a friend.
This post is to other Outreachy applicants who may be going through the same thing. I want you to know that you’re not alone.
Ohhh… And, after a few days, I was finally able to write this post.
