First Two Weeks: A Rollercoaster Ride

When I started my Outreachy internship two weeks ago, I was excited and motivated. I had a plan, a project, and a deep desire to learn. But what I didn’t plan for were the struggles technical, personal, and everything in between. This blog post is about the reality behind the code: the broken laptops, the endless troubleshooting, and the determination to keep going.

The First Setback: My Laptop Gave Up On Me

Just when I was getting into the rhythm of my Outreachy project, my laptop broke down. Not temporarily. Completely. It was like losing a part of my brain suddenly, everything became harder. I didn’t have the resources to immediately replace or fix it, and it hit me hard.
I had to borrow, improvise, and make do with less powerful or shared devices. That meant slower response times, limited work hours, and constant stress. But I kept showing up. That’s what mattered.

OpenSemanticLab Setup Issues

My project involves working with OpenSemanticLab, which integrates with MediaWiki. While trying, i got stuck in bugs and compatibility issues especially when trying to get the Data Editor to work.
I followed my setup guides, retraced my steps, and reinstalled more than I care to admit. Still, the editor just wouldn’t cooperate. There were moments I felt like giving up. Like shouting at my screen. Like this just wasn’t for me.
But I reminded myself: struggle is part of learning, And I wasn't alone. My mentors were also there to guide me.

What Keeps Me Going

I keep going because I know this is part of growth. Because one day, someone will read this blog and feel less alone in their own struggles. And because I believe in this project, and in myself, even when the tools fail me.
I’m learning more than just how to code or configure MediaWiki. I’m learning resilience. Patience. Creative problem-solving. And I know all of this will make me a better developer and a stronger person.

To Fellow Interns and Future Applicants

If you’re reading this while struggling through your own Outreachy experience, know this: it’s okay to be behind. It’s okay to ask for help. It’s okay to cry a little over a broken laptop or a stubborn bug.
You belong here. Even when things are hard. Especially when things are hard.

EveryOne Struggles