Hello there! 👋 I’m Adiba Anjum, a computer science student, full stack developer, and open source enthusiast. I’m currently embarking on an exciting adventure as an Outreachy intern, contributing to the Cat-a-lot JavaScript Gadget for Wikimedia Commons. It’s surreal to transition from being a user of Wikimedia projects to becoming a contributor behind the scenes.
A Bit About Me
Growing up, I was always the curious kid, constantly asking “why” and “how.” This innate curiosity led me to the world of technology, where I found joy in building things and solving problems. My journey into tech wasn’t a straight path, but each twist and turn taught me something valuable. If I had to pick a few values that really guide me, I’d say creativity, empathy, and perseverance.
- Creativity
I’ve always loved creating things, from little design mockups in high school to fully functioning web apps in college. For me, creativity isn’t just about colors or layouts; it’s about solving problems in ways that feel thoughtful and intuitive. I think that’s especially important when building tools for others to use. - Empathy
This one’s close to my heart. I try to approach everything I do, from coding to collaborating, with empathy. That means thinking about the person on the other side: the user who clicks the button, the developer who reads my code, or the teammate who’s learning something new. It’s helped me a lot, especially in open source, where clear communication and understanding go a long way. - Perseverance
Let’s be honest, tech isn’t always smooth sailing. I’ve had my fair share of “why isn’t this working??” moments. But over time, I’ve learned to sit with the frustration, keep going, and figure it out. That persistence has helped me get through challenging bugs, confusing codebases, and moments where I seriously doubted myself. And I know it’ll keep helping me during this internship too.
So… What Is Wikimedia?
Before I get into why I joined Outreachy, I want to talk a little about the organization I’m interning with i.e. Wikimedia. You probably know Wikimedia through its most famous project, Wikipedia—the free online encyclopedia anyone can edit. But Wikipedia is just one part of the picture. The Wikimedia Foundation supports a whole ecosystem of free knowledge projects, including Wikimedia Commons, which is like a public library of freely usable images, audio, and video files.
What I find so inspiring about Wikimedia is that it’s powered by volunteers and contributors from around the world. It’s not just a website, it’s a global community working to make knowledge accessible to everyone. The values of openness, transparency, and collaboration really resonate with me, and I feel proud to contribute, even in a small way.
Why Outreachy?
Before Outreachy, open source felt like an exclusive club that was intimidating and out of reach. I hesitated to contribute, fearing I wasn’t “experienced enough.” Outreachy changed that narrative. It provided a supportive environment where learning is encouraged, and contributions are valued, regardless of one’s background. Applying to Outreachy was a leap of faith, driven by a desire to grow, learn, and give back. Being accepted was more than just an achievement; it was a validation of my potential and a gateway to a community that values inclusivity and collaboration.
Looking Ahead
As I dive into this internship, I’m filled with excitement and a bit of nervousness. I know there will be challenges, but I’m ready to embrace them, learn, and grow. I’m eager to contribute meaningfully to the Wikimedia community and to document this journey.
Thank you for joining me on this adventure. I’ll be sharing more about the project and what I’m learning every couple of weeks, so stay tuned!
Warmly,
Adiba 😀