“The 50+ First-Timer” – Imma Valls

Description

Thinking about contributing to an open source project? Does it seem daunting, or maybe you feel it's too late to start? You might be surprised to learn how accessible it is—and how quickly you can make an impact. In this session, I'll share my journey as a first-time contributor to OpenTelemetry, detailing how I went from no contributions to becoming a project member in just one month. I'll provide a clear roadmap from initial interest to a successful contribution, giving you actionable tips on finding the right project and tackling those "good first-time issues." We'll explore the crucial role of mentorship and sponsorship, especially for individuals from underrepresented groups, and how the supportive OpenTelemetry community can guide you through the process. And other communities will too. I aim to inspire you—whether you're from an underrepresented background or believe your chance to contribute has passed—to take the plunge and discover the rewarding world of open source. You'll leave with actionable insights and the confidence to begin your contribution journey.