Outreachy: A for Asynchronous

Much ado about time

When I first applied to Outreachy, a word kept popping up that I hadn't encountered much before: "asynchronous." It's not that the word was excessively alien since I had been acquainted with some of it's cousins like; Synchrony and Chronology, it was that I hadn't become familiar with the word so it stood out.

What is Asynchronous?

Asynchronous essentially means "not happening at the same time." In the context of open source, it usually refers to communication or tasks. Outside programming, Asynchronous might refer to emails, messages, or discussions that people respond to when they're available, not necessarily in real time.

Why Does it Matter for Parsl?

The Parsl project, which focuses on parallel programming for scientific workflows, makes extensive use of asynchronous operations. By dividing tasks and executing them independently, Parsl can dramatically speed up computations. This asynchronous approach is key to its power.

Where Did I Learn This?

• I first noticed "asynchronous" in the project documentation for Parsl.
• I did what any curious person would do – I googled it!
• Resources I found helpful:
  • Google: There's a clear definition of "asynchronous" that pops up when you search the word
  • Parsl Documentation: The technical docs helped me understand in context how Parsl itself uses the concept.

Hesitant to Ask Questions? Me too!

I've always found it difficult to ask for help. I tend to overthink the act, worrying about how it will come across or if my question might seem unreasonable. When these thoughts take over, I usually end up going online to look for answers or a workaround instead of reaching out to someone who could help directly.

It's the same with initiating conversations. Once I get a conversation started, I can write lengthy responses and sometimes even verge on oversharing. But taking that first step is often a significant challenge for me. However, meeting new people and engaging more frequently in conversations has helped me improve, and I hope to continue this upward trajectory.

I can't stress enough how supportive my mentors have been in this journey. Sophie, for instance, is incredible at communication and organization. Her clarity and structured approach make complex tasks seem manageable (she also has been trying to get me to use the help channel for issues I encounter). Logan, on the other hand, provides detailed feedback on technical issues, which is exactly the kind of thoroughness I aspire to in my own work. If I can find a way to combine both their skill sets there's no stopping me!

I am understanding the value of effective communication and the importance of seeking and giving constructive feedback. It increases efficiency and it helps build problem solving skills when you expose yourself to different methods of handling issues.

On a slightly related note, I spent days trying to figure out how folders and spreadsheets were embedded into a Google Doc I received from one of my mentors. I didn't know such a feature existed and felt too embarrassed to ask how it was done. I worried that it was something I should already know. So, instead of reaching out, I dedicated a lot of time to figuring it out on my own. It was a humbling experience that made me realize the unnecessary stress and time wasted due to my reluctance to ask for help. This experience was a stark reminder that it’s okay not to know everything and that seeking help isn't a sign of weakness. It's an opportunity to learn and grow. By asking questions, I can gain valuable insights and save time, which allows me to focus on other important tasks. 

My journey in asking for help and initiating conversations is ongoing. I’ve made progress by meeting new people and pushing myself to engage more frequently. Each interaction helps build my confidence and ease the anxiety I often feel about asking for help or starting conversations. I've learned that everyone needs help at some point, and there's no shame in admitting it. Embracing this fact and learning to ask for assistance when needed has made me more effective in my learning and work. Following the example of communicative and supportive mentors like Sophie and Logan, I hope to continue improving my ability to seek and provide help, ultimately becoming a stronger contributor in my professional and personal life.