 Okay, so, I am near to Farahra and also from a non-technical background, so I'm going to share how I fell into the technical side. Well, from the non-technical side, for a very long time, under like a couple of years back, I was in, I was a hardcore researcher working in cancer research and stuff like that. As this meme shows, I was actually opening up DNAs, manipulating them and all that stuff. Until, like, I think probably my bachelors or so, I remember when I was asked for system preferences, I was so named to say that this is a color is my system preference. So I was that name. The only thing that I actually used my laptop was to, let's be real, to watch movies. But when I came to my master's, I didn't find another purpose to my laptop. I was working on my assignments and for most of it, I was actually using my laptop for a course called Buy Informatics, which has introduced me to using different kinds of softwares that can be used to easily manipulate the DNAs without actually doing the real experiment. Like, everything can be done online, like using the software, manipulating the DNA sequences, putting sequences and all that. And I was actually thrilled and enthralled by knowing that there are softwares that can actually make experiments move a lot faster, easier. I was so interested and grossed in it. And then I made sure that I ace the course and then the semester got over. And then I got really busy with my thesis during my master's and I didn't have time to explore more about it, although I really wanted to. And then I finished up my master's and then landed in job, full-time job, which was really hectic and I couldn't think much about Buy Informatics or Explore It. But there was this strong desire, this motivation in me that I really wanted to explore it and know more about the different softwares which actually make science a lot easier. So that's when I came across this magical book, which is which I was able to find it for free online. So like it says, it is actually for beginners and it really helped me a lot to write my first program, first code. I was very excited and with this completely new window open up. And then I came to know that there are so many open sources available outside and so much of information available outside. And I was so into it like that almost became my full-time job, like trying to learn new things, trying to learn programming, trying to learn Python, no more about it, no many things like that. Most of the times I remember that whenever I was working whenever I had some time, I used to open online IDEs like Ripple and start solving different problems in Buy Informatics that used Python and all that. And I also remember taking a course on Coursera, which actually helped me write a lot of complicated algorithms that can be used to manipulate DNA sequences. Then I became, yes, from someone who has been opening up DNAs to manipulate, I became this print biological. That was a huge accomplishment for me because I did all this on my own with my strong motivation, which I feel everyone needs it like has to believe in themselves. So now, from how did I come from what is Fedora to I am Fedora, like almost, because it's just been a month. After three years into my research, working as a full-time researcher, I realized that unfortunately my journey in the scientific research has gone to the space where it's not made for me anymore. It's very unfortunate that it ended that way. But yeah, I think things just didn't fly. And I turned out that it's not a couple of might be anymore. And then I had to take a break to retrospect, think what I really need, what I really want to do. And that did give me a new perspective of life, what my priorities are, what my likes are, what my dislikes are. And unfortunately, I also, the job that I just quit then, it also had a toxic environment, which had a huge toll on my emotional well-being, I should say. So it was really stressful. So after I quit, it did give me a really like a new perspective about what I want to do. And also the strong desire to explore more about programming and stuff, it came back because now I had all the time in the world. I treated this now like learning new things and programming and Python and explore more new things became my full-time job. I used to wake up, prep my lunch, everything, sit in front of the computer, and then just learn, learn, practice programming stuff. And a lot of other online courses, there's so many online courses available, so many open sources available, it's so falling to think about so many things that are available online for free. And obviously, I didn't have the economical status to actually enroll into another master's course. So I was very determined to do it on my own for free. So I used to wake up, study until 12 o'clock, have a lunch break, go for a walk, and then come back and then study again. So this used to be my schedule for about six months or so. But yes, also I had a very supportive family, my husband is very supportive. So that's the one reason why I could actually do it, like learn so much when I was out of office. And then things went on and then because I was just doing everything on my own sitting at home, I actually didn't have the real time experience as such that I needed to land in a technical job. Obviously, I was like just handling the data sets that are available through course or something. So clearly that was not enough. And I didn't, I, there are so many other complications as well. So I couldn't actually land in a technical job. But then I figured that I am good at writing. So I thought I should explore the scientific writing opportunity. So then I became, I am a scientific writer now. And like this meme says, yes, that is true in the beginning. It actually felt that I'm probably a horrible writer and I am not cut out for writing, but no, no, no, no, never doubt yourself. Just keep doing that. You will be there, just persistence is the key. And then while I started, when I started writing, the desire to again explore something on the technical side was back. And then I really wanted to explore the technical writing side of the technical side of it. So I googled and then I stumbled upon a forum which mentioned a list of open sources that I can contribute to. That was the first time I actually heard about Fedora. So that forum gave a link to Fedora wiki pages. And then I had, believe it or not, I had no idea what to do on the wiki pages. Everything, all the information was so overwhelming. And I started doubting myself. I don't think I can do this because there are so many things that I am not aware of. So, but then I'm like, okay, let me just give it a try. Let me just see. So I made a resume and then sign up for almost all the mailing list that I could come across. And then, guess what? All the emails bounced back. I have no idea, but I have no idea what I did. I must have done something wrong. But, yes, so everything bounced back. But, and then I just, I was like, okay, maybe it's just a calling that technical writing is not probably for me. But one day I received an email from BNI docs mentor session saying that there is a mentor session this week and it will be great. So I thought like, okay, this is, this is my calling. Okay, I really need to attend this. This came out of nowhere and I should not let go of this opportunity. So I went on to the session not knowing about anything. Of course, like, there was a YouTube link on how to organize stuff on Fedora or how to organize dogs that was like hosted by Justin. So I saw that video. I kind of had an idea about what's going on. So I attended the session and guess what? In about two days or so, I did my first pull request. You see the golden border? Yes, it's that special to me, my first, first ever pull request. I was very happy about it. I am still very happy about it. It's such a huge accomplishment for me because I came from a completely different background where laptops are used for just watching movies or see probably nothing. So, so from there to here, it's a huge accomplishment for me. And then my first PR actually did everything online. I was too intimidated to even open the terminal and then do everything using command line and get, get, get was something that's like, I am still intimidated by it, but I did not even want to type the word letter G in it. So was that intimidated? So, but then I was like, okay, now if I really want to be explore this technical writing and be good at it, learn it, then I cannot do all my PRs online. I really, really need to push myself and start learning how to do things on command line. And now guess what? Okay, command line is my best friend. I, I prefer using command line to access folders. The other day I was asking my husband about, can I open the PowerPoint presentation through command line because it's such a pain to go to find a folder, search for it and all that. So, you see, maybe I can open my presentation through command lines. Like, I don't think that's possible. I was like, oh, so yes, that, that's, that's a long way that I came from. And so as a new contributor, what, what am I doing here? Like, I had no idea what Fedora was before I even stumbled upon that forum, the post in the forum about the open source contributions and all that. So, I didn't know that Fedora is actually an operating system that you can, like, I didn't know, I didn't know about anything about Fedora. So, my first, as a newbie, for any new contributors, Fedora has an excellent welcoming kit. So, they created a ticket for you where you can track your progress and they also give you awesome starting guides about what you, how to understand everything like what is open source, what is Fedora and all those things. And then I spent a couple of weeks understanding what open sources, why it is important and why it is important for everybody to contribute to open sources. It doesn't matter if you're from a technical background or a non-technical background because there is something that anyone can contribute to in open source that, that is one thing that I really learned. So, I did learn a lot in my first couple of weeks and then everybody in this community are awesome, very friendly, very understanding. They answer all my silly non-technical questions. So, it is great and now I am actively contributing to the restructuring of DNI team's page. So, by that, I got very comfortable with command line kit and then almost very comfortable with command line kit. I know there is still a lot but you see, that's a lot for me. So, and then I am also understanding a lot about Antora and then ASCII docs and then I was able, like it's a learning, it's a learning go. So, I didn't know anything about anything about Markdown, anything about, well I do know a little bit of, a little bit about Markdown because I did work with Jupyter Notebooks at one point. So, Jupyter Notebooks did have an option for Markdown. I'm sure a lot of other teams also have option for Markdown but that's the first time that I came across Markdown. So, I did have some idea but Justin mentioned that ASCII docs is very different from a lot of other documenting softwares because every line is different in ASCII docs. So, he said that a lot of people find it difficult to transition to ASCII docs. I was like, I don't think I have the problem because I have no idea about any other documentation software. So, so yeah that was a great journey. Like my first month I learned so much being just for a month I learned so much about Antora documentation skills and then PRs, creating issues, attending so many meetings and also helping organizing Fedora Women's Day 2020. That is also a great experience for me and I am so happy to be here, meet you all lovely people and then grow my network and all that. So, now coming to how Fedora is going to be my strong new foundation for my career goal. Well, the main until now, I don't know if it's because of the kind of background I was in until now, like I couldn't make, I couldn't grow my network at all while I was in the research because I think it's because everybody is busy with their own research thesis projects while they're in grad school and stuff. So, maybe that's why I was not able to grow my network. I don't know what I did wrong but here in Fedora I'm looking forward to grow my network, meet new people and then also learn all the new technical things like tree base. The other day I was trying to I created a pull request, made my comments and then my issue was not my pull request was not being able to merge because of some merge conflict. So, I was asked to do a git tree base. So, I quickly went online obviously and then said how do I rebase and then I got this one line combined, git tree base master I guess. So, I just like I typed it and like I'm done but then I quickly quickly realized that I didn't do anything. Git tree business is actually a long procedure where you merge the conflicts. So, from that I understood that git tree base as such is not complicated but merging conflicts is such a pain. I hope I don't do it again but you see that's how I learned. So, I'm sure I will do it again and get better at it every time but yeah I did I did git tree base. So, yeah that is a huge accomplishment for me and then I one day want to be called as technical and I really hope that day is very soon. So, that's what I'm looking forward to in Federa by contributing to Federa and meeting all new people and learning as much as I can to be called as technical one day. Since I am a newbie here so far I thought that technical writing is the only option that I might have but if I am wrong or if there is anything else that I can explore I am open to suggestions and guidance and advice from all you people and then also what else can I do in Federa. I have Python SIG in my mind but I am intimidated by it. I don't know like I am not a great programmer. I don't think I'm even a good programmer. So, I know basics of Python pandas for data analysis and stuff but I think that's about it and I think I'm also struggling with imposter syndrome. So, yeah I have no idea where else I can contribute. I have two things in my mind. One is Python SIG and the other is Pajas. So, if there is anything else that if you think would probably be good for me like and also if there are any other career prospects that I can look out for not just technical writing that would be really great. So, in the end I would like to say that me coming from a non-technical background knowing nothing about programming or any of these things if I can come this far if I was able to do everything on my own I'm sure you can do it too. Never let anyone tell you that you can't do it. Never let anyone doubt you. Never let anyone say that you're not cut out for this. No, don't let anyone debene you or don't let anyone treat you that no you're a woman you can't do it or you're a non-binary you can't do it. So, don't let anyone say that and always believe in yourself, persistence is key, work hard whatever you work on work on it will definitely help you at one point or the other in the future. So, yes if I can do it you can do it for sure so don't give up never give up never give up just keep going and also I would like to take this opportunity to shout out to my great mentors Justin and Nasir for answering all my silly non-technical questions anytime of the day so yeah yeah that's a great shout out to them and also I thought this is something really nice to say that I used my command line again for this so thank you so much for listening to my story and I hope it is inspiring to other other people who are from who are planning to come into tech technical from a non-technical background it's not difficult you just need to put in some time some effort work towards it and then you will be there for sure hi hello thank you so much for sharing that that was awesome thank you so much um it's really impressive to see you here as a newbie and getting on screen to tell us the story I think there's just a lot of courage just in doing that so I commend you for that and for all the help that you've already given I'm like the diversity team I wasn't even aware of all this other stuff you're learning and doing so awesome so that's really really cool that you're involved um I'll where do you where would you like like your path in fedora to beyond just technical maybe something more concrete I was so since you're right everybody is talking about and you were talking about badges a lot I thought I should explore badges a little bit uh and see if I can do anything in it so that's why I think you should and not only that you should try to earn badges that will give you a ton of experience doing different things within fedora okay I will do that for sure totally um there are there is um development going on on the back end and then we also have um like system in type tasks that are involved like learning how to push the badge artwork to the website um and then we have some other coding that does go in it get involved at yaml is the they're written in yaml to write rules around our messaging system so the the message gosh I'm gonna they change the name on it naming things is hard it's either the fed message or message blaster so anyway it's the thing that fedora messaging see it has changed so yeah the yaml file takes the reads the fedora messaging and automatically awards badges to people um okay so there's like all these different little pieces that work together and then of course you have the design team and um the people coming up with ideas so since you're like a newbie I'm like do you have questions for us you know is there things you want to ask us we're here as a resource for you um or maybe even just comments and stuff you've learned over the weekend uh sorry stuff I would oh stuff you've learned or something maybe you really liked from the weekend yes so um first of all like thank you so much for having me on fwd um and what did I learn I did learn a lot of things from all these beautiful people who who share their stories inspiring stories that number one never give up just just do what you want to do uh believe in yourself and more importantly by everyone that how important is to network maybe that's one thing that I was not able to do until now so I'm really really really looking forward to grow my network now so you know what's cool about in fedora space versus outside fedora and this I was actually thinking this and I wanted to make this point is that outside of fedora and open communities it's very much about who you know ready it's like who you know what connections do I have the neighbor my uncle's friend whatever um but with open source and a space like fedora we don't have that you know I mean yeah people might come from a different community with a good reputation or not um but nonetheless you have this chance it's a very open playing fields um to just get involved and you have access right from the start you don't need to know that person or this person just to get into that space so yeah um I think it does allow like a more even playing fields for networking yeah and I also really like the fact that everything is open like you are like I am always being appreciated for all the nice things that I do or everything that I do even a small thing there is a lot of appreciation there is a lot of encouragement and there is a lot of um it's everything is open like everyone can see what I'm doing so that is one thing that I really like being part of the open source community because it's it's open yep and you know what I think when um I'm out there working in that fashion you know it's kind of like it's a little it's like you know exposes you like a little bit right and something like new and different and I just think to myself like it doesn't really matter what that other person's opinion is like maybe they think it's not good enough or whatever because I'm the one who's doing it and they're yes yeah so you're the person who's they're actually doing the thing and other people can critique or whatever or you know you get those worries in your head that that might come because it's just all out and open but um you can have you can finally resolve and just knowing like no I'm here and I'm doing this work and that's good yeah well thank you so much for presenting thank you very much maybe of course and and all the help for with fedora women's day I think I'm going to take a lunch break and then there's one more session oh no no no oh my gosh you don't oh yes oh yes it's real quick what is your native language uh okay are you going to speak it in that language for us awesome all right I'm going to mute me okay I'll do it again the second part okay uh we are from different countries we speak different languages and we are of different cultures but fedora unites us but open source awesome thank you thank you so much of course I'll see everybody in a half an hour yes goodbye thank you everyone