A new chapter begins — I am joining RunCloud as a full-time technical writer

In the summer of 2017, I embarked on a journey that would change the trajectory of my life and career. I responded to a call from Quincy Larson, the founder of freeCodeCamp, for volunteer editors to help review and edit technical articles submitted by developers from across the globe.

At the time, I had no idea that this decision would lead to an incredible adventure of learning, growth, and community building over the next one and a half years. As a volunteer editor, I had the privilege of editing hundreds of articles spanning a wide range of technical topics, from front-end development to data science to cloud computing.

Each article I edited presented an opportunity to dive deep into a new concept, technology, or best practice. I gained exposure to cutting-edge tools and techniques being used by developers worldwide, from React and Vue to TensorFlow and Kubernetes.

More importantly, I had the chance to interact with and learn from the amazing writers behind these articles. Through countless hours of editing and providing feedback, I built relationships with developers from countries as diverse as Brazil, India, Nigeria, and the United States.

Building Technical Expertise Through Editing

One of the most valuable aspects of my experience as a volunteer editor was the technical knowledge I gained through reviewing and editing articles. Each article I edited required me to thoroughly research and understand the concepts and technologies being discussed, whether it was a new JavaScript framework or a machine learning algorithm.

Over time, I began to notice patterns and trends in the topics being covered by freeCodeCamp writers. Articles on front-end frameworks like React and Vue were consistently popular, reflecting the growing demand for skills in these areas. There was also a steady stream of articles on data science and machine learning, highlighting the increasing importance of these fields.

Editing these articles not only exposed me to new technologies, but also helped me understand them at a deeper level. I had to carefully analyze code samples, verify the accuracy of technical explanations, and ensure that the content was clear and easy to understand for readers.

Through this process, I sharpened my own understanding of front-end development concepts and best practices. I learned how to structure code for readability and maintainability, how to optimize performance, and how to troubleshoot common issues.

I also gained valuable insights into effective technical writing. I saw firsthand what made certain articles stand out in terms of clarity, organization, and engagement. I learned techniques for breaking down complex topics, providing relevant examples and analogies, and keeping readers motivated and interested.

These skills have proven invaluable in my own work as a developer and writer. I‘ve been able to apply the best practices I learned to my own code and articles, resulting in higher quality output and better reception from readers.

The Challenges and Rewards of Providing Feedback

One of the most challenging but also rewarding aspects of being a volunteer editor was providing constructive feedback to writers. With each article I reviewed, my goal was not only to improve the technical accuracy and clarity of the content, but also to help the writer grow and develop their skills.

This required a delicate balance of offering specific, actionable feedback while also being encouraging and supportive. I learned to start by acknowledging the strengths and positive aspects of each article before delving into areas for improvement. I aimed to provide concrete examples and suggestions rather than simply pointing out issues.

Over time, I developed a framework for providing feedback that focused on key areas such as structure, clarity, technical accuracy, and engagement. I created templates and checklists to ensure that I was consistently covering these areas in my reviews.

I also made an effort to tailor my feedback to the individual writer and their goals. Some writers were looking to build their portfolio and showcase their expertise, while others were more focused on learning and improving their skills. I tried to understand each writer‘s motivations and provide feedback that would help them achieve their objectives.

While providing constructive feedback could be challenging at times, it was also incredibly rewarding to see writers improve and grow as a result of the feedback. I received many messages of appreciation from writers who found my feedback helpful and were able to take their writing to the next level as a result.

Insights from Interactions with Global Developers

One of the most enriching aspects of my experience as a volunteer editor was the opportunity to interact with developers from all corners of the globe. Through editing articles and providing feedback, I built relationships with writers from a wide range of countries and cultures.

These interactions provided me with valuable insights and perspectives that I would not have gained otherwise. I learned about the unique challenges and opportunities faced by developers in different contexts, from the lack of reliable internet access in some regions to the booming tech scenes in emerging markets.

I was particularly struck by the passion and determination of many of the writers I worked with. Despite often facing significant obstacles and limited resources, these developers were driven by a deep desire to learn, grow, and make an impact in their communities.

Many of the writers I edited were using their skills to solve real-world problems and create positive change. From building apps to connect farmers with markets in Kenya to creating educational platforms for underprivileged students in India, these developers were harnessing the power of technology for social good.

Through these interactions, I gained a deeper appreciation for the potential of technology to drive positive change and empowerment, particularly in underserved communities. I was inspired to think more critically about how I could use my own skills and platform to make a difference.

The Impact of Volunteering on Personal and Professional Growth

Reflecting on my experience as a volunteer editor, it‘s clear that the impact extends far beyond the articles I edited and the feedback I provided. This experience has fundamentally shaped my personal and professional growth in profound ways.

On a personal level, volunteering for freeCodeCamp has given me a greater sense of purpose and fulfillment. Knowing that my efforts were helping to support and empower developers around the world was incredibly motivating and rewarding.

Through my interactions with writers, I also developed a deeper empathy and understanding of the challenges faced by developers from diverse backgrounds. This has made me a more compassionate and inclusive leader and collaborator.

Professionally, my experience as an editor has been transformative. The technical skills and knowledge I gained have accelerated my growth as a developer and opened up new opportunities for me. I‘ve been able to take on more complex projects, contribute to open source initiatives, and share my expertise through writing and speaking.

Beyond technical skills, volunteering for freeCodeCamp has also helped me develop valuable soft skills such as communication, leadership, and project management. Coordinating with other editors, providing feedback to writers, and managing my own workload has strengthened my ability to collaborate effectively and lead teams.

The experience has also expanded my professional network and opened up new doors. Through my interactions with writers and other editors, I‘ve built relationships with developers and tech leaders from around the world. These connections have led to exciting collaborations, job opportunities, and friendships.

In fact, it was through my volunteer work with freeCodeCamp that I first connected with the RunCloud team, which ultimately led to my current role as a Technical Writer and Africa Ambassador.

Growing a Local Developer Community

Perhaps one of the most impactful outcomes of my experience as a volunteer editor has been the inspiration it provided me to give back to my local community. In 2018, I founded the Warri FreeCodeCamp Group to bring together developers in my city of Warri, Nigeria to learn, collaborate, and grow together.

Starting a community from scratch was not without its challenges. I had to find ways to attract members, secure venues for meetups, and create engaging content and activities. However, the skills and experience I gained through my volunteer work equipped me to tackle these challenges head-on.

To grow the community, I leveraged my network and reached out to local tech leaders and organizations for support. I also utilized social media and online platforms to promote the group and its activities.

In planning meetups and events, I drew on my experience editing articles to create high-quality, engaging content. I structured meetups to be interactive and hands-on, with opportunities for members to learn by doing.

I also prioritized creating a welcoming and inclusive environment where members felt supported and empowered to learn and contribute. Drawing on my experience providing feedback to writers, I worked to create a culture of constructive feedback and growth.

The impact of the community has been remarkable. In less than a year, the group has grown to over 550 active members. We‘ve organized 8 meetups covering topics from web development to machine learning, with an average attendance of 50+ developers per event.

Beyond just the numbers, the community has had a profound impact on the lives of its members. I‘ve seen members land their first developer jobs, launch their own startups, and gain the confidence to pursue their passions.

One member, a single mother who had been struggling to break into the tech industry, shared how the community provided her with the support and resources she needed to land her dream job as a front-end developer. Another member was able to launch his own ed-tech startup based on the skills and connections he gained through the community.

Seeing the transformative impact that this community has had on the lives of developers in my local area has been one of the most fulfilling experiences of my life. It has shown me the power of community and the potential for technology to drive positive change and empowerment at a local level.

Joining RunCloud as a Technical Writer and Africa Ambassador

Building on my experiences as a volunteer editor and community leader, I am thrilled to be starting a new chapter as a full-time Technical Writer and Africa Ambassador at RunCloud.

RunCloud is a SaaS startup that empowers developers to easily set up, configure, manage, and monitor virtual private servers on cloud hosting providers like Digital Ocean, AWS, and Google Cloud Platform. The platform is specifically designed to streamline the deployment and management of PHP and WordPress applications.

In my new role, I will be responsible for creating high-quality technical content to support RunCloud‘s users and contribute to the company‘s growth. This will include crafting in-depth tutorials, guides, and articles on topics related to server management, cloud infrastructure, and application deployment.

I will also be working closely with the product team to develop and maintain comprehensive documentation for RunCloud‘s platform. My goal is to create content that not only helps users effectively utilize RunCloud‘s features, but also empowers them to become better developers and server administrators.

Beyond content creation, I will also be serving as RunCloud‘s Africa Ambassador. In this capacity, I will be responsible for representing the company and its mission to the African developer community.

Africa is a continent with immense potential for technological growth and innovation. With a rapidly expanding population, a growing middle class, and increasing access to technology, the opportunities for developers in Africa are vast. However, there are also significant challenges, including limited access to education and training, infrastructure constraints, and a lack of support and resources.

As RunCloud‘s Africa Ambassador, my goal is to help address these challenges and empower African developers to take advantage of the opportunities presented by cloud computing and modern web development.

I will be working to build relationships with local developer communities, tech hubs, and educational institutions to raise awareness about RunCloud‘s platform and its potential to simplify server management and deployment.

I will also be organizing and speaking at events, workshops, and conferences across the continent to share knowledge and best practices related to cloud computing, DevOps, and web development. My aim is to inspire and equip African developers with the skills and tools they need to build world-class applications and compete on a global stage.

In addition, I will be advocating for RunCloud to invest in initiatives and programs specifically designed to support the African developer ecosystem. This could include partnering with local organizations to provide training and resources, offering scholarships and grants to promising African developers, and creating content and documentation tailored to the unique needs and contexts of African users.

Ultimately, my vision is for RunCloud to become a catalyst for technological innovation and entrepreneurship in Africa. By empowering African developers with the tools and knowledge they need to leverage cloud computing and modern web development practices, we can help drive economic growth, create jobs, and solve real-world problems.

I am excited to leverage my experience as a developer, writer, and community builder to make this vision a reality. And I am grateful to RunCloud for the opportunity to combine my passion for technology with my commitment to social impact and empowerment.

A Call to Action for Developers

As I reflect on my journey thus far, I am filled with gratitude for the experiences and opportunities that have shaped my path. From my time as a volunteer editor at freeCodeCamp to my new role at RunCloud, each experience has taught me valuable lessons and equipped me with skills that I can use to make a positive impact.

However, I also recognize that my journey is not unique. Every developer has the potential to use their skills and knowledge to drive positive change, whether in their local community or on a global scale.

If there is one message I want to convey to developers reading this, it is this: You have the power to make a difference. Your skills and expertise are valuable assets that can be used to solve real-world problems, empower others, and create a better future.

So my call to action for you is this: Get involved. Seek out opportunities to volunteer your time and skills to support causes and communities you care about. Whether it‘s contributing to open source projects, mentoring aspiring developers, or organizing community events, there are countless ways to give back and make an impact.

If you‘re not sure where to start, consider joining or starting a local developer community. Look for organizations and initiatives that align with your values and interests, and reach out to see how you can contribute.

And if you‘re passionate about using technology for social good, I invite you to connect with me and share your ideas and experiences. Together, we can build a network of developers committed to driving positive change and empowering communities around the world.

As I embark on this new chapter with RunCloud, I am excited to continue learning, growing, and making an impact. I am grateful for the support and encouragement of the freeCodeCamp community, and I look forward to staying connected and collaborating with you all in the future.

Remember, your skills and your voice matter. Use them to make a difference, and never stop learning and growing. The world needs more developers like you.