Google Africa Challenge Scholarship Journey
I am Elie Wanko, a native of Cameroon. Since my childhood technology has always been a passion for me. I am a master's student in mathematical and computational finance, …. so what am I doing in tech development? Actually, I don’t really know. A few years back, data science and Actuarial Science captured my interest, nonetheless Android and Web development where for just a hobby. But today thanks to Google, Udacity, and Andela I might consider becoming a full developer. It’s amazing how you can bring a small change from your community to the world.
Alongside my sister Christine DJAFA we were selected for the scholarship, She got into Front-End and me in Mobile Web. Yeah, I know what a duo is, right? She’s into finance just like me. However, her passion for photography has given her a sweet sense of design and creativity.
“In photography, there is a reality so subtle that it becomes more real than reality.”
— Alfred Stieglitz
How did this scholarship help me in my studies and career?
The win was a much-needed encouragement. It also helped me to realize that there are great people supporting the same cause behind my projects, and I should continue what I was doing in helping other creatives find their foothold in this niche industry.
Through the challenge, I also met some awesome individuals, some dedicated to helping the communities, mentors that kept the hype going all along and some scholars one of which that went by the handler Rango who crashed my slack every now and then. I couldn’t help but smile as I could see myself through him when I’m studying data science courses.
One week to go …
With the end of the challenge approaching on July 8th, 2018. Top 100 scholars from the Intermediate Track will be awarded scholarships to the Mobile Web Specialist Nanodegree Program.
Being a Google Udacity Scholar has built my confidence and pushed my limits these past few months. I colored out of the boundaries and made things I thought were meant only for others.
Thanks to Google and Udacity for creating such courses, education is changing. Special Thanks to Andela for bringing this scholarship opportunity to Africa.
#GrowingAfrica #BetterTogether
