Everyone Struggles: Embracing the Learning Curve
Three weeks into my Outreachy internship, and it's safe to say that it has been both exciting and challenging. One thing I've come to realize is that everyone struggles, and that's perfectly okay.
The size of the documentation project seemed daunting, and I found myself questioning if I was up for the task. The imposter syndrome, that nagging feeling of not being "good enough," crept in as I grappled with the new responsibilities.
One of the significant hurdles came in the form of a Git LFS error that left me scratching my head. The terminal echoed a message I had never seen before: "This repository is over its data quota. Account responsible for LFS bandwidth should purchase more data packs to restore access." Git LFS is a term I had only vaguely heard about before this moment. My initial panic turned into a learning opportunity as my mentor patiently explained what Git LFS is and why I encountered this error.
It turns out, Git LFS (Large File Storage) is an extension to Git that deals specifically with large files. These could be anything from images and videos to datasets, common in software development projects. The error I encountered was due to the repository exceeding its data quota for Git LFS, a limitation that could be resolved by purchasing additional data packs.
What struck me the most was the realization that even though I thought I had a solid understanding of Git, there were still aspects I hadn't explored. Git LFS was one of them. Embracing this lack of knowledge became a key takeaway from the experience – it's okay not to know everything and that asking questions is not a sign of weakness, but rather a crucial part of the learning process.
So, to all the open-source enthusiasts out there, remember that everyone struggles, and that's the essence of growth. if you're grappling with new concepts, encountering errors, or feeling a bit lost, remember, you're not alone. Embrace the struggle, ask for help when needed, and celebrate every small win along the way. After all, it's the challenges that make the successes even more rewarding.
Subscribe to my newsletter
Read articles from Goodness Chris-Ugari directly inside your inbox. Subscribe to the newsletter, and don't miss out.
Written by