[blog] OpenWISP Shines at GSoc Mentor Summit 2024

content/blog/gsoc-24-mentor-summit.rst

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+OpenWISP Shines at GSoc Mentor Summit 2024
+==========================================
+
+:date: 2024-11-13
+:author: Gagan Deep
+:tags: gsoc
+:category: gsoc
+:lang: en
+:image_url: {static}/images/blog/gsoc-24-mentor-summit/group-photo.jpg
+
+This year, the Google Summer of Code (GSoC) Mentor Summit was hosted at
+the remarkable Google MP3 Office in Sunnyvale, California, I and `Federico
+Capoano <https://github.com/nemesifier/>`_ had the incredible opportunity
+to represent OpenWISP. It was an exhilarating experience that I am
+thrilled to share with our community.
+
+With attendees from all corners of the globe, the Mentor Summit felt like
+a reunion of open-source enthusiasts, each representing diverse
+organizations but united by a shared passion for innovation and open
+collaboration.
+
+The Mentor Summit is an "un-conference", meaning there's no predefined
+schedule. Instead, attendees propose topics and host rooms for group
+discussions on subjects of shared interest. This format fosters a
+collaborative, open atmosphere where workshops are less about formal
+presentations and more about dynamic exchanges of ideas. It's a chance to
+dive deep into topics, brainstorm solutions, and learn directly from the
+diverse experiences of others in the open-source community.
+
+Lightning Talk: Improving UX of the Notifications Module
+--------------------------------------------------------
+
+Lightning talks are short, 3-minute presentations where mentors have the
+chance to share highlights of their GSoC projects. The format is
+fast-paced, requiring speakers to focus on the most impactful aspects of
+their work. These brief talks offer a snapshot of the diverse projects
+being mentored, sparking conversations and inspiring others.
+
+.. figure:: {static}/images/blog/gsoc-24-mentor-summit/lightning-talk.jpg
+    :alt: Gagan Deep giving lightning talk
+    :align: center
+    :height: 400px
+
+The biggest highlight of the summit for me was the opportunity to share
+our work on `"Improving UX of the Notifications Module"
+<{filename}./gsoc24-improve-ux-notifications-module.rst>`_ by `Dhanus SL
+<https://github.com/Dhanus3133>`_ in a lightning talk. The Notifications
+Module in OpenWISP is integral for network administrators, providing
+alerts and updates on crucial network events. This year's GSoC project
+focused on enhancing usability, making notifications clearer and more
+intuitive, while offering users greater control over their preferences.
+
+Learning from the Community
+---------------------------
+
+Apart from the talks and workshops, the summit provided a unique
+opportunity to network with some of the brightest minds in the open-source
+community. The wealth of experience in the room created a fertile ground
+for exchanging innovative ideas and discussing potential collaborations.
+
+.. figure:: {static}/images/blog/gsoc-24-mentor-summit/group-photo.jpg
+    :alt: Group photo of all attendees at GSoC Mentor Summit 2024
+    :align: center
+    :height: 400px
+
+    © 2024 by Google LLC is licensed under CC BY 4.0
+
+It was fascinating to hear how other mentors approach mentorship and
+overcome challenges within the GSoC structure, especially those
+organizations that, like OpenWISP, have been in the program for many
+years.
+
+Looking Forward
+---------------
+
+Attending the GSoC Mentor Summit was a memorable and enriching experience,
+both as a representative of OpenWISP and as a member of the open-source
+community. My journey with GSoC began as a contributor in 2020 with
+OpenWISP, and I later transitioned into mentoring projects in the
+following years. The summit provided the perfect opportunity to finally
+meet Federico, with whom I've been collaborating for the past four years.
+It was also a privilege to connect with the brilliant minds behind GSoC at
+Google. We are excited to implement the insights gained from this
+experience and look forward to continuing our work in innovation and
+collaboration.
+
+We hope this glimpse into the summit has inspired you. If you're
+passionate about open-source, consider collaborating with the OpenWISP
+community.