Google India Challenge Scholarship : Android Developer Track

Hello everyone! I am Nikita Kotak, a Computer Engineering student, a Tech enthusiast and have deep interest in the fields of Android, IoT, AI, ML and OS..

Background : So coming to a brief history, my interest in programming commenced right from my Grade I when computer as a subject was introduced to me. Till my second grade I was learning to play around that little turtle in LOGO and studying the history of Computer Development, its hardware/software components and much more.. In those days I didn't have a computer at home so used to go Dad's office to introspect the machine further. Later fascinated by my interest in computers Dad bought me a machine in my third Grade.. And the journey began... I started exploring all sorts of applications, dad also introduced me to E-mail and other social networking later. I also joined a training course  in Computer Basics to understand more about Windows, the OS and all technicalities(I was little to understand these concepts in detail then, but tried to understand whatever I could). Meanwhile in school we were progressing with programming concepts like if-else, loops etc and languages like QBASIC, HTML, CSS, C etc. Believing in my interest I took Computer Engineering after HSC and am happily working today in fields of Android, IoT, AI, ML and OS..

(Computer Day celebrated every year in school, in which I always participated in Quiz and Project Competitions and have also won few awards..!! )

Coming to the Android Developer Track Scholarship, my journey in Android started with few projects and assignments in Second Year in college. I had a basic understanding of the concepts then. But I developed further interest as I started conducting workshops as a facilitator for Google Applied CS with Android program at my campus along with the DSC Lead at my Campus Rucha Tambe.(Our story : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yjtSSkUNWDo) I started watching videos, tutorials and reading on  Android. There were many activities that we conducted in Applied CS program like quizzes, code sprints, group discussions and we also solved a local business problem by developing an Android App.. The best part of this was that in the tenure I interacted with many facilitators from institutions all over India and we formed a group of like-minded developers. 

I had previously done free Android courses of Udacity and then read about the Google India Challenge on twitter and also there was a talk about the same on the facilitators group! I applied for the same but was not sure if I'll be able to make it as there are such talented Android professional developers all across India. But the sunshine of 7th Feb showed me a new path to garner my interest further in Android when my phone buzzed with an Email's notification.. 😄😄 My happiness knew no bounds..

A fully enthusiastic and active community on slack channel and forums right from freshers to the experiences!! I was equally excited like a kid on the first day of school is😂 After introducing myself on the slack channel and forum, I started with the course on 15th Feb and was happy to see the well-structured format of learning. I made it a point to be active on slack channel and forums atleast an hour or two everyday and simultaneously complete the course content.. 

I absolutely enjoyed discussing with various developers about their ideas on #showcase, #general_discuss, #share_ideas etc.. The most amazing fact was that you post a query with this amazing community and get solutions within minutes. Even searching about that error on web browsers would take time😃 Such was the experience and readiness to help of developers here!!! Also every week AMA and live_help sessions helped us get guidance from mentors and experts! The concept of meet_study_buddies and native place channels helped us interact better and grow further. 

The learning process was absolutely amazing, but it did not end here.. Concept wise Quizzes and weekly practical challenges helped test our understanding of the subject! Later collaborative projects commenced... Another amazing short episode of this journey.. I got the privilege to become Co-Mod for Explore India app and meet amazing developers in the process. Being a student, I learnt the way industry functions with making applications and also got to learn many new concepts.. Donut was another interesting concept wherein we were paired in groups to learn and develop together..

We are in the last week of this journey now and I am sure much more awaits us.. Overall it has been such a great learning experience that has strengthened me as a developer!!!😄 Do leave your comments below!