From Zero to Swags: My Journey of Learning to Code and Earning Rewards

1. The Accidental Motivation

It all started when I saw a tweet about Hack to be fest — just make 4 contributions and get a free t-shirt. I didn’t know what “pull request” even meant, but I wanted that shirt.

📌 Lesson: Sometimes, motivation doesn’t have to be deep. Even a small reason can get you started.

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2. Learning in Public

While figuring out GitHub and open source, I messed up a lot. But instead of hiding, I shared my mistakes and progress on Twitter and Hash node.
Surprisingly, people were supportive and even gave me tips.

📌 Lesson: Sharing your journey attracts the right people and opportunities.

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3. First Goodie, First Win

When my Hack to be fest package arrived, it wasn’t just a shirt — it was proof that I could learn something completely new. That boosted my confidence like nothing else.

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4. Platforms That Reward Learning

If you want to try the same path, here are my top picks:

• Hacktoberfest – October event for open source beginners

• Postman Student Expert – Learn APIs and earn swags

• GSSoC – Contribute to projects, win prizes and grow your skills

• MLH Events – Participate in mini hackathons for goodies

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5. Why It’s Not About Goodies Anymore

Today, I still love getting swags, but now I focus more on the skills I’m gaining. Those skills will stay with me long after the t-shirts fade.

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Conclusion:

If you’re a beginner, don’t underestimate the power of small rewards. They can push you to start, and once you start, you never know where the journey will take you.
Start with curiosity, stay consistent, and the rewards — both physical and skill-based — will follow.