Hello everyone, I’m Rafiat, an Outreachy Intern, working on “Creating effective and engaging online lessons on Science and Financial Literacy” project with Oppia. It may seem daunting at first when you are contributing to Free and Open Source Software (FOSS) as a beginner. Not to worry, it happens to everyone!!!
Embarking on the Outreachy application process marked the beginning of a thrilling yet challenging and educating journey for me as well. As I delved into contributing to the Oppia project, I encountered a pair of terms that initially left me confused: “Skill tree” and “Skill table.” Little did I know that these terms would become integral to the understanding of my open-source community and project.
What do these terms mean?
A “skill tree” in the context of the Oppia project refers to a tabular representation of the hierarchical structure of skills and concepts. It’s essentially a roadmap that guides contributors through the intricate web of skills, showcasing their dependencies and relationships. On the other hand, a “skill table” is a tabular representation of skills, providing a comprehensive overview of their attributes and connections, development of the skills and questions on them.
These terms popped up repeatedly during my contributions to the Oppia project in the Outreachy contribution stage. As I delved into the project’s documentation https://github.com/oppia/oppia/wiki/Lesson-Creation-Guide#skill-table, the prevalence of these terms became common in discussions about curriculum development and lesson creation.
Determined to grasp the significance of these terms, I found myself at a crossroads. Where could I seek clarification? The project’s documentation seemed like a logical starting point, yet the terms were briefly mentioned, leaving me yearning for a more in-depth understanding.
The search for answers:
Determined to find a detailed explanation of these concepts, I scoured online resources, hoping to stumble upon a comprehensive explanation that would demystify their meaning. As I pondered reaching out for help, a wave of hesitation washed over me. Would my question be perceived as naive? Would I be disrupting the flow of experienced contributors? These concerns momentarily held me back from seeking assistance.
However, the desire to contribute meaningfully outweighed my reservations. To my utmost relief, the community project mentors, recognizing the learning curve that newcomers often face, provided an additional project documentation https://docs.google.com/document/d/1SgBVMpuiwfm-EH2Q7GLB8RW8XaNFUH8S4IaImFi7_V8/edit?usp=sharing, which explained these concepts in clear and simple terms with accompanying sample docs for guidance on how to create our skill tree and table. This resulted in a clear understanding of the skill tree and skill table and unveiled the open-source community’s supportive nature.
The project community mentors also provided feedback on our task submissions, where mistakes and corrections were pointed out. Fellow contributors also shared insights and offered guidance on navigating the intricacies of the Oppia project, depicting collaboration. Others who had faced similar challenges like me, had found solace in seeking guidance from the community
Embracing the learning journey:
To those hesitant about asking questions, I would say this: embrace the learning journey. The open-source community thrives on collaboration and shared knowledge. Don’t let fear of judgment hinder your progress. Everyone, at some point, grapples with new concepts and terminology.
So, whether you’re navigating a new skill or exploring a new codebase, remember that growth stems from curiosity and the courage to seek understanding. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are immeasurable. Embrace the learning experience, for in the world of open source, everyone struggles, and that struggle is the catalyst for growth and innovation.
My Outreachy Internship Experience 
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