Have you ever embarked on a project thinking it would be a daunting task, only to find yourself surpassing your own expectations? That's exactly what happened to me during my time as an Outreachy intern working on the accessibility model for the Mozilla Bugbug project. What I initially thought would take months to complete, I managed to finish within the first 1.5 months of the internship, and it was all thanks to a combination of factors that helped me exceed expectations.
Outreachy had tasked us with reflecting on “Modified Expectations” for this week’s blog. While some may have encountered unforeseen challenges or adjustments along the way, I found myself pleasantly surprised by how closely my initial expectations aligned with my actual achievements. This alignment can be attributed to some factors I will mention in today’s blog and these elements not only enabled me to meet my expectations but also propelled me to surpass them, turning what could have been a daunting endeavor into a fulfilling and rewarding experience.
First and foremost, I attribute my success to the groundwork I laid before even starting my Outreachy application. By taking the time to familiarize myself with the code base of the Bugbug project, I was able to hit the ground running and adapt quickly to the tasks at hand. This early preparation proved to be invaluable as it gave me a head start and allowed me to make meaningful contributions from the get-go.
Another crucial factor in my journey was the support and guidance I received from my mentor, Suhaib. Having a mentor who was always there to provide timely feedback, answer my questions, and offer valuable insights played a significant role in keeping me on track and motivated throughout the internship. Their unwavering support empowered me to tackle challenges head-on and strive for excellence in everything I did.
Furthermore, I realized early on the importance of dedicating ample time and focus to the project. By committing to investing at least 30 hours a week into my work, I was able to make steady progress and stay ahead of schedule. This level of dedication not only helped me meet deadlines but also allowed me to delve deeper into the intricacies of the project and deliver high-quality results.
Perhaps the most crucial lesson I learned during my journey was the importance of taking ownership of my work. By approaching each task with a mindset of accountability and ownership, I was able to fully immerse myself in the project and take pride in every aspect of my contribution. This sense of ownership fueled my determination to excel and pushed me to constantly strive for improvement.
Lastly, I quickly realized the value of seeking help whenever I felt stuck or blocked. Whether it was reaching out to my mentor, collaborating with fellow interns, or tapping into the wealth of resources available online, I learned that asking for help is not a sign of weakness but rather a testament to one's willingness to learn and grow.
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