Google Summer of Code 2024 Experience

Hello everyone! I am thrilled to share my journey of participating in Google Summer of Code (GSoC) 2024 with the US Open Source Program Office (US OSPO). This experience was a rollercoaster of emotions, filled with challenges, learning opportunities, and ultimately, success. Let me take you through my unique GSoC journey, from the initial steps to the exciting conclusion.

Unlike the typical advice of starting early, I began exploring GSoC organizations in October but didn’t take any immediate action. By January, I decided to revisit the organizations I had shortlisted and start contributing. However, I found it difficult to take the first step. The vastness of open-source projects can be overwhelming, and figuring out where to begin was challenging. I joined the Slack and Discord channels of a few organizations but didn’t dive into coding or making pull requests.

As February approached and the announcement of new organizations was imminent, I started losing hope of being selected for GSoC this year. However, I devised a strategy to focus on newer organizations, anticipating less competition compared to the established ones. Despite not having made significant progress by then, I was determined to give it my best shot.

When the new organizations were announced, I selected US OSPO and joined their Slack channel. This decision marked a turning point in my GSoC journey. I began attending their meetings, familiarizing myself with the project, and getting to know the mentors.

US OSPO provided us with five initial assignments, which I found quite challenging at first. However, as I persevered, I gradually became more comfortable with the tasks and gained a deeper understanding of US OSPO’s project. The support from my mentor was invaluable during this phase, helping me complete the assignments and build my confidence.

With the assignments under my belt, I started working on my project proposal. It was an 11-page document that required detailed planning and a clear articulation of my approach and objectives. Interestingly, unlike many participants, I did not make any pull requests (PRs) before being selected. This was a deviation from the common advice but showed that each journey can be unique.

In April, just a few days before the acceptance announcements, my mentor informed me that Google would likely select two projects from US OSPO, and mine was ranked third. This news was a bit disheartening, but I wasn’t too disappointed. I knew I hadn’t given my 100%, and the knowledge and experience I gained were invaluable for future attempts.

Then, on May 2nd, 2024, I received an email that changed everything: “GSoC 2024: Congratulations, your proposal with US OSPO has been accepted!” The feeling was indescribable. I was over the moon with joy and excitement. Adding to the thrill, I had an exam in 10 hours, which made the moment even more surreal.

Participating in GSoC 2024 has been an extraordinary experience. It taught me the importance of perseverance, flexibility, and the value of mentorship. Despite the initial setbacks and self-doubt, the journey culminated in success, proving that it’s never too late to start and give your best.

This experience has not only enhanced my technical skills but also boosted my confidence in tackling complex projects. If you are passionate about coding and open-source development, I highly encourage you to apply for GSoC. It’s a journey filled with learning, growth, and the opportunity to contribute to meaningful projects.

Thank you for reading about my GSoC experience. I hope it inspires you to take that first step, no matter how daunting it may seem.