I was a Summer of Code student back in 2009, and it defined my career in software engineering, and completely changed the way I looked at building real world so

I was a Summer of Code student back in 2009, and it defined my career in software engineering, and completely changed the way I looked at building real world software. Not directly, but being a GSoC student led to some interesting international travel and freelancing opportunities. I met many senior engineers who'd spent decades more than me (at that point) and was able to sit in on their discussions and meetings. I wasn't even directly involved or responsible for anything, I was still a student... but just by osmosis, it shaped so many of my thoughts and opinions.