OSS + ELC EU 2026

In 2018, I applied to an open source program with no expectations.

I wasn't from a well-known college. I didn't have a strong professional network. Like many students, I was simply looking for a way to learn, gain experience, and figure out where my career was headed.

That single application led to opportunities I could never have predicted.

Over the next few years, open source introduced me to mentors, global communities, speaking opportunities, internships, scholarships, leadership roles, and eventually a full-time career in technology. More importantly, it changed how I viewed learning, collaboration, and my own potential.

This session is a personal story about how one open source opportunity created a ripple effect that shaped an entire career.

Along the way, I'll share the practical lessons I learned about contributing to projects, building relationships within communities, overcoming self-doubt, and creating opportunities that don't exist in traditional classrooms.

Whether you're a student, an aspiring contributor, this talk offers a realistic look at how community-driven programs can create life-changing opportunities.