The Fellowship of the Test

How the testing community has opened my world

With this community we have around us, any dream is possible. We have only to ask for help, and they will respond.

“It's a dangerous business, Frodo, going out your door. You step onto the road, and if you don't keep your feet, there's no knowing where you might be swept off to.” - The Lord of the Rings, J.R.R. Tolkien This community we have as software testers is constantly evolving as we share experiences with one another. As we each adapt and grow, we can learn from the stories of others through exposure to new ideas. The more information we gain from the environment around us, the more we expand our perception of reality. It’s a constant cycle of knowledge sharing and adaptation. In 2022, my world changed. I was provided with an opportunity to step foot on a new journey far from home, as an adventure in both my career and my personal life story. Though change is often uncomfortable, I want to encourage you to answer when your life presents you with a quest of epic proportions. In the spirit of sharing, I’d like to share some stories that may inspire you to take on your challenges with vigorous tenacity. Stories I will share: - How the community has supported my goal to find work in testing, beyond the borders of my home country - My experience traveling solo for the first time to a foreign country - Training my skills for a new chapter in my career Learning opportunities from the stories: - How your involvement in a community can impact others - You are never truly alone, when you discover the courage to ask for help - No matter your experience level, you can always gain new perspectives