The complete GCI Journey

A summary of my experience this year...

The GCI 2017 - 18 opened up arms for teenagers on 27th of November, 2017 for students to attempt tasks encompassing of coding, outreach, quality assurance and user interface problems. The competition comprised of organizations who had an open - source structure.

I started my journey a month late, on 27th December, but I still managed to attempt a fair few number of tasks. Many of them for a great organization like LibreHealth, Mifos and Liquid Galaxy Project. I spent the highest fraction of my time, working with a great Health IT company called LibreHealth. My main goal was to expand on my sector of design. This included wireframe generation, web component designs, presentation, and artworks. I really enjoyed it, I never thought I would design mockups or dashboards for a proper company :)

There were parts where things did not seem too good … Over my GCI participation was also a load for exam preparation. A rigorous schedule had to be maintained in order to balance them both but, to be honest, I spent more time working on GCI tasks :)

A big chunk of the GCI experience has been the conversations with the Mentors. To be able to converse with an experienced programmer or designer across the globe transcends the participant's capabilities to a different level. The prizes were also something to thrive for :P and because I am only 14, it’s a great deal of excitement having competed in this competition.

Another Great point was the streamlined and easy experience google had provided us with. The whole UI of the site was appealing and life was made easy by conversing directly with the mentors and the ease of project uploads. The community was really great and helpful. I was a member of the LibreHealth community and the whole interaction was fun and VERY HELPFUL. Any problem with the task could be asked on the chat group and within minutes meaningful replies from both contestants and mentors chipped in. It was like you’re a part of this big family where each member helps out the other.

After a fun and great learning affair, the GCI is slowly concluding and closing it’s curtains for the year, leaving a good taste in the mouth. After what I have experienced this year, I would surely come back to it every year till I am eligible to compete. I really want to thank Google and LibreHealth for the opportunities they have given us. See you next year GCI!