Sometimes, all it takes is attending the right event at the right time to light a fire under you. For me, that catalyst was **DevRelCon NYC**. Stepping into that vibrant community, surrounded by brilliant minds passionate about developer relations, was an electrifying experience. It wasn't just another conference; it was a profound realization that I needed to get truly serious about my involvement in the DevRel community and, crucially, about documenting my journey and contributions better.

And so, this very blog post stands as a testament to that motivation. It's my commitment to sharing insights, lessons learned, and the creative projects that drive me. DevRelCon NYC underscored the importance of not just doing the work, but effectively communicating its value and engaging with the community around it. That's a challenge I'm excited to embrace.

My Drive for Involvement & Mentorship

My passion extends beyond just attending events; I have a genuine drive to be deeply involved and contribute to communities where I can learn and grow. That's why I'm incredibly proud to be a **mentor with Major League Hacking (MLH)**, specifically for the Production Engineering stream. Working with aspiring developers, guiding them through complex challenges, and seeing their "aha!" moments is incredibly rewarding. DevRelCon NYC was even more special because it was organized by MLH, giving me the fantastic opportunity to meet the team in person and connect with them beyond virtual calls.

This hands-on involvement, from guiding hackathon participants to engaging with industry leaders, truly defines my approach. I believe in learning by doing, and in contributing to a collective pool of knowledge and support.

Bridging Tech & Creativity: From Unreal Engine to Concert Planning

Beyond the structured world of developer relations, I thrive in creative communities and am constantly seeking out new avenues for learning and applying technology in innovative ways. My time at **HXOUSE** perfectly exemplifies this. There, I delved into the intricacies of **Unreal Engine and Unity**, exploring how these powerful tools can be leveraged for immersive experiences and interactive art. It's about pushing the boundaries of what's possible when engineering meets artistic vision.

A particular highlight of my HXOUSE experience was participating in a **design competition in November 2024, in collaboration with TAIT**. This wasn't just about theory; it was a high-stakes challenge that allowed me to truly flex my:

• **Analytical Thinking:** Breaking down complex requirements and constraints.
• **Project Planning:** Meticulously organizing deliverables and timelines.
• **Creative Thinking:** Crafting an imaginative and compelling solution.

Our deliverable? A detailed **concert planning proposal for a special guest artist**. It involved everything from stage design and lighting concepts to audience flow and interactive elements, all within a constrained environment. It was an exhilarating experience that solidified my love for blending technical prowess with innovative, artistic execution.

This blog, therefore, is more than just a collection of posts; it's a living record of my continuous learning, my engagement with exciting communities, and my unwavering drive to create and contribute. Stay tuned for more!