Web3 Odyssey: A 2022 Developer's Quest for Blockchain Mastery

Rewinding back to October 2021, I took a leap of faith and applied for Microsoft Learn Student Ambassador(MLSA) KIIT Chapter's Project Wing. This was the first step in my journey to becoming a web3 developer. As part of Project Wing, I had the opportunity to collaborate with members of the MSC and fellow students to work on projects in the web development domain. It was a great learning experience, as I got to know the basics of web development and worked in a team setting. This experience led me to bigger and better things in the world of blockchain and web3 development.

Pandemic Reality Check: Slacking Off and Hackathon Wins

Just a few months later, the pandemic was almost over and our colleges started to reopen. This meant that my free time would be limited and it was a reality check for me. The fourth and fifth semesters were a bit of a challenge for me, not just because of the subjects but also because I must admit, I slacked off a bit in my programming pursuits. However, I participated in another hackathon conducted by Wilco and was proud to come in the 11th position. I also did a project or two under MSC and conducted a few events with them.

Blockchain and Beyond: My Growing Interest in the Technology

During this time, my interest in blockchain technology began to grow. I read the white paper on Bitcoin and Ethereum and was impressed by the possibilities of this amazing technology. Applications like decentralized finance, supply chain management, and digital identity management have the potential to revolutionize industries and change the way we interact with technology.

Heart vs Mind: Navigating a Career in Electronics and Computer Science

What was getting tougher for me was being an Electronics & Telecommunication Engineer by degree, but my heart and soul belong to the world of computers and software. I know, I know, electronics is amazing too, but it's computers that have always set my heart on fire since childhood. You might be wondering why I didn't pursue a career in Computer Science then. Well, it's because the knowledge and skills required to excel in electronics and telecommunications engineering could not be easily found on the internet. It was like searching for a needle in a haystack. For example, if you search for "How to design a MIMO based 5G system", it's not as easy to find the information and you need to attend university to learn that kind of stuff. That's why I decided to pursue a degree in Electronics & Telecommunication Engineering and continue my passion for computer science and software development on the side. It was like a battle between my heart and my mind.

Recently, I discovered the manifesto of a company called Nothing and it greatly impressed me with their perspective on technology. I have always wanted to pursue similar goals but had difficulty expressing them. Reading Nothing's manifesto, I finally found the words that accurately captured my aspirations. I highly recommend reading the manifesto, which I have included below. (All credit for the image goes to Nothing.)

Back in the Game: Revisiting Blockchain Development and Building Skills

But then, since December 2022, I began revisiting my blockchain notes, brushing up my JavaScript concepts, and diving back into the world of blockchain development. Shoutout to Alchemy University for providing me with the resources to get started again. Now, I feel an urge to completely master this domain. I know it's going to be a long and winding road, but I feel confident enough to take on this challenge. And let me tell you, it's going to be as exciting as anything. I can't wait to see where this journey takes me.

Challenges and Rewards: Continuing to Learn and Grow

Alongside my journey into blockchain development, I have also been consistently revisiting my Java and DSA skills. I have been following Kunal Kushwaha's Java + DSA + Interview prep course, as well as taking on the challenge of solving Leetcode problems. It's been a challenging yet rewarding process. On the other hand, the 6th-semester subjects and labs have been a bit easier for me as they are closely related to the projects I'm working on. I am glad to have a prior foundation on these topics, and it has put me ahead in class. But, I don't let that give me false confidence, I understand the importance of continuing to study and stay on top of my game. Overall, it has been a challenging yet rewarding experience.

And that's a wrap, time to move on to the next one. This is the way.