Greetings, everyone!

I am thrilled to share my journey and experiences of being selected for the prestigious Google Summer of Code (GSoC) program in 2023, working with the amazing organization JSON Schema (under Postman Org). It has been a thrilling and rewarding journey, filled with challenges, learning opportunities, and personal growth. In this blog post, I would like to take you through the steps and experiences that led to my selection (presented in a raw form, without any embellishments or hype), shedding light on the valuable lessons I learned along the way.

Learning about Open-Source:

In September 2022, my path to open-source began, marking a significant turning point in my journey as a pre-final year electrical engineering undergraduate. Before this, I had limited knowledge about open source, let alone the renowned Google Summer of Code (GSoC) program. In May 2022, I was introduced to the world of technology, igniting my curiosity and fueling my desire to learn.

Discovering GSoC and Postman:

Fast-forward to December 2022, a random YouTube video caught my attention, unveiling the incredible opportunities offered by GSoC. That video helped me explore this unique program, where talented students collaborate with prestigious organizations alongside experienced mentors.

• As I delved deeper into GSoC, I realized it was more than just a chance to gain experience. It was an opportunity to contribute to organizations and learn from experienced mentors. I read through the 2023 timeline and understood the importance of getting involved early. So, I decided to start contributing to open-source projects to get familiar with their codebases and gain recognition within the community.

• Before the official organization list was released, I searched for potential organizations that matched my interests. However, I felt overwhelmed by the large codebases and the many choices available. Despite the initial confusion, I didn't give up. On February 22nd, the accepted organization list was revealed, giving me the final opportunity to select the organization I wanted.

• While exploring different organizations, I found myself drawn to Postman. Although I had a basic understanding of APIs, I was unfamiliar with JSON schema. However, something inside me urged me to embrace this new challenge and dive into the world of JSON Schema. So, with determination, I made the decision to join JSON Schema (under Postman) as my chosen organization for GSoC 2023.

The Application Process: Preparing My Proposal:

The application process for GSoC is rigorous, requiring careful planning and thoughtful execution. However, I took a different approach that worked for me, although I don't recommend it for everyone. While GSoC allows for multiple proposals, I decided to focus on creating one high-quality proposal for the 'Bowtie' project with JSON Schema.

To understand the project, community, and goals better, I actively participated in weekly meetings and received invaluable support from my mentor, Julian. With his guidance, I made significant contributions to the project, which laid the foundation for my well-structured proposal. The mentors really liked my proposal and appreciated the clarity of my vision.

The Selection: A Surprise Celebration:

Unlike the usual path, I didn't receive the expected email notifying me of my selection. Uncertainty crept in, and I wondered if something had gone wrong. However, my doubts were quickly dispelled when, half an hour later, my mentor reached out to congratulate me. It was an unexpected and incredible moment for me, as I realized that my selection was confirmed. This unexpected turn of events served as a testament to the countless hours I had dedicated to learning new technologies and the incredible support I received from my mentor and the JSON Schema community.

My GSoC experience till now has been transformative, both personally and professionally. It has helped a lot in my personal growth and expanded my horizons as a developer. To all aspiring GSoC participants, I encourage you to get involved in open-source as early as possible, embrace challenges, and seize every opportunity to learn and grow. Remember, it is not just about the destination; it is the journey that shapes us into better developers and individuals.

I will be sharing more blogs on the things I have accomplished during the GSoC period, so stay tuned for that and make sure to subscribe to the newsletter to receive notifications directly in your inbox.

If you have reached this point, it means you are also passionate about open-source. I wish you the best of luck, and thank you for joining me on this incredible ride!