Changing the Environment with GDG DevFest
I never knew that changing my environment would have such an impact… I found myself in a community of incredibly energetic, lively, positive, and kind people. And it happened in just one day, thanks to the GDG Çanakkale DevFest.
What is GDG means? Google Developer Groups. In brief, a community that provides the opportunity to gather people with common interests and meet local developers alongside acquiring new skills in different fields. All are welcome, beginner or senior developers. Sky is the limit.
As someone who learns web development on their own, continues the process by building projects and is about to make a career change, I have always been interested in communities and events. Cause it is not easy to progress alone if you are from another profession. You’re looking for support, a mentor, and you want to meet and exchange opinions with people who are walking on a similar path. Most of them have passed this way, and you think that maybe they have a compass in their hand and can show us the way.
In today’s conditions, there are events that are mostly done online. However, I was aware of through a poster I saw a few weeks ago published by GDG Çanakkale DevFest, I had the opportunity to attend an event in the field of software in-person for the first time. I signed up with great excitement and started to look forward to that day. At the end of the event, I had a tremendous experience and different ideas on my mind. A few hours later I expressed my feelings about this experience by sending posts on LinkedIn and also presented my thanks to all members of the GDG Çanakkale team, speakers, and attendees. Meeting young, enthusiastic new people, talking about common interests, asking questions to people in the industry … You made my day, thank you again.
After ages, I tasted the feeling of full of life. I realized I must surround myself with people who are kind and have common interests and also can talk about a technological improvement for hours or discuss anything respectfully.
“How did I not realize until now that I was exposed to a toxic environment?” I asked myself this question while waiting for the minibus at the stop on the evening’s return. Even though it was a temporary change of environment, this wonderful experience gave me another perspective and broadened my vision.
It showed me that another possibility is possible. The environment can profoundly change a person’s soul, feelings, thoughts and perspective on life. I put one of my milestones here.
Change your environment, take a step, get out of your comfort zone and who knows you will meet amazing people and discover different worlds. It will allow you to dream more about the future.
