Contributing to open source has been something I’ve wanted to do more consistently, and while I haven’t made a ton of contributions yet, I’m starting to find my footing. This past month, I made a couple of small contributions, and I’m hoping to pick up the pace this week.

What I’ve Done So Far

OpenStreetMap Contribution (Jan 28, 2025)

This was a simple but useful edit–I updated a location’s status to permanently closed. Small updates like these help keep maps accurate, and while it might not seem like much, it can make a difference for someone relying on OpenStreetMap for directions.

A lot of these projects require a hefty adjustment period before even making a small contribution. It’s not just about fixing a bug or adding a feature–you first have to dig through documentation, understand the project’s structure, and sometimes learn new technical concepts just to get started. Even “newbie-friendly” issues often assume a certain level of familiarity with the codebase, which can make onboarding feel slow and overhwleming.

OSSD Course Logistics (Feb 12, 2025)

This was a minor spelling fix in an HTML file for the open-source software development course. Not the most groundbreaking change, but attention to detail matters, and fixing small errors keeps documentation clean and professional.

Challenges And Plans Moving Forward

One of the biggest challenges so far has been just getting started–finding the right projects and figuring out where I can contribute meaningfully. It’s easy to get stuck in the mindset of wanting to make a big impact right away, but I’m realizing that small contributions are a great way to get comfortable with the process.

This week, I want to start contributing more consistently. Wikipedia edits seem like a good way to get into the habit of making small but valuable contributions. I’m also looking at beginner-friendly open-source projects where I can get some hands-on experience, whether that’s fixing documentation, addressing small bugs, or even just engaging in discussions.

Most Proud Contribution?

Honestly, I don’t have a standout contribution yet, but I’m proud of the fact that I’ve taken the first steps. Every contributor starts somewhere, and even if it’s just a map edit or a spelling fix, it’s still a step toward something bigger. The goal now is to build momentum and start tackling more involved contributions outside of Open Street Maps and the OSSD Course Website Repository.