Introduction....

Hello, my name is Alwoch Sophia, a 28 year old software engineer currently interning with Outreachy under the Wikimedia Foundation. I love talking long walks, listening to music, picking up a new skill and learning new things. I generally thrive in an environment where I'm able to create meaningful impact to a community and this is what fuels my passion for Free and open-source technology.

My core values are growth, peace and Justice.

Growth, to me, is fundamentally about becoming a better person each day than I was the day before. In terms of my career, I gauge my progress by assessing improvements in problem-solving skills, job performance, and the acquisition and application of new technologies. In my daily life, I see growth as the ability to release the grip of the past, continually move forward, and engage in practices like forgiveness, continuous learning, and the deliberate process of unlearning and relearning past behaviors and beliefs.

Justice embodies a commitment to fairness and equity in every facet of my decision-making. Whether navigating professional challenges or personal matters, I strive to uphold principles that ensure impartiality and equal consideration. Justice, for me, is not just a concept but a guiding force that shapes my actions, promoting a world where every individual is treated with respect and equality. It involves standing up for what is right, fostering inclusivity, and advocating for a society built on the pillars of fairness and righteousness

Peace is the encompassing blanket that wraps around all my core values. It serves as a compass, guiding me in both personal and professional spheres. If an action or decision contradicts my core values, it disrupts the tranquility within. Peace is not just a fleeting moment of calm but a critical component of my mental health. It relies on the harmony between my beliefs and actions, ensuring that every choice I make contributes to a sense of inner calm and coherence. In essence, peace is the cornerstone that sustains my well-being, resonating through all aspects of my life.

Regarding my decision to apply to Outreachy....

Outreachy's mission deeply resonates with my career aspirations. Outreachy offers internships in open source and open science to individuals affected by systemic bias and underrepresented in the technology industries of their countries, fostering inclusivity on a global scale.

I discovered Outreachy during my software engineering bootcamp last year, and its principles aligned seamlessly with my career goals. I recognized the value of contributing to Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) as a means to enhance my CV during my job search. Applying to the December 2022 round, I advanced to the contribution stage and learnt various open-source organizations, including Wikimedia, Mozilla Firefox, Wagtail, and Git.

Although I couldn't submit a final application during the contribution period, the experience heightened my passion for FOSS. It solidified my desire for a career in open source, making Outreachy the ideal platform for me. Upon submitting my initial and final applications for the December 2023 round, I was thrilled to be accepted to work with the Wikimedia Foundation on the project; 'Addressing the Lusophone Technological Wish list proposals.'

In this role, I am excited to tackle technological challenges on Portuguese Wikipedia, collaborating with mentors to uphold Wikimedia's mission of providing free education. This opportunity aligns perfectly with my commitment to meaningful contributions in the open-source community, and I eagerly anticipate the positive impact I can make during my internship with Outreachy and the Wikimedia Foundation.