My First Weeks at Web3Bridge

The Journey Begins

My adventure with Web3Bridge started with an early morning departure at 3 a.m., a decision driven by a previous experience of missing an event due to Lagos’ notorious traffic. Determined not to repeat that mistake, I set out in the pre-dawn hours, filled with anticipation for what lay ahead.

Navigating to the Web3Bridge facility was an experience in itself. I noticed the okada* riders here were different from those I was used to as they were meticulous, refusing to start a journey without confirming the exact location. Their cautious approach was a subtle introduction to the precision I’d soon encounter in the program.

First Impressions and New Connections

Upon arriving, I was warmly greeted by Victory, who collected my passport and graciously assisted with printing all required documents at no cost. Her kindness set a welcoming tone. I soon met David Marvellous and Yetunde, who were the first to arrive at the facility. The three of us, bonded by our early arrival, quickly formed a connection that felt like the start of something special.

A member of a previous cohort gave us a friendly introduction, sharing insights about sponsors, past projects, and the bootcamp’s structure. He even pointed out the best room in the facility. Marvellous and I eagerly explored, settling into a room that caught our eye—only to discover it was reserved for the Rust cohort, not Solidity. After a quick shower, I returned to find our preferred room fully occupied, teaching me an early lesson in adaptability.

An Unexpected Role of Becoming Governor

One of the most surprising moments came during the election for cohort governor. My friends playfully teased each other about the role, and I became the target of their jest when Tony called me “Governor.” As an introvert, I dismissed the idea outright, calculating my chances of being elected at a mere 0.001 out of 10. I even tried to disqualify myself by amplifying my introverted tendencies during introductions. When asked to present myself, I hid behind others and even slipped out the door—only to be spotted by Mrs. Awosika, whose sharp eyes missed nothing.

To my shock, Tony nominated me during the election. I bolted out of the room again, but Mrs. Awosika had me brought back to face the nomination. Despite my protests and attempts to rally votes for others, like Tony and Akanimo who was very popular, the cohort elected me as governor, with Yetunde as my assistant. It was a humbling moment that pushed me out of my comfort zone and into a leadership role I never expected.

Settling into the Community and Supports

The Web3Bridge experience is enriched by free meals, accommodation, reliable electricity, internet, and endless learning opportunities. The arrival of food was a highlight, cohort members burst into praise and worship songs, the joy so infectious it could carry us through weeks of hard work.

Our first mentor, Franklin Ejezie provided an engaging introduction to the program, setting clear expectations. As someone new to Web3, I found the ecosystem’s jargon daunting, but Franklin’s approach made it approachable. A memorable moment came when the founder of web3bridge, laughed heartily upon learning that 17% of the class scored zero on a pre-content test. That laughter wasn’t mocking—it was a wake-up call, motivating me to take the lessons seriously. Franklin also inspired me to revive my long-dormant social media presence on X, making it fun to engage online again.

Friends and Mentors as A Supportive Network

The friendships I’ve formed have been a cornerstone of my experience. Deborah, a kind and attentive soul, has made my role as governor manageable. She listens with undivided attention and offers solutions on the spot, making challenges feel surmountable. My close circle—Tony, Akanimo, Tayo, Marvey, DSO, and others—has been invaluable, acting as my unofficial board of advisors. Their support, encouragement, and updates keep me grounded and informed.

Lessons Learned and Goals Ahead

In just two weeks, I’ve gained more knowledge than I did in an entire year prior. From blockchain basics to the intricacies of Web3, the learning curve has been steep but rewarding. What resonates most is the sense of community and the realization that Web3Bridge is not just about technical skills but also about building connections and leadership.

By the end of the 16-week program, I aim to master Solidity, contribute to a meaningful Web3 project, and grow into a confident leader. I’m particularly interested in tackling problems like improving blockchain accessibility for beginners and addressing scalability challenges in decentralized applications.

Looking Forward

My first weeks at Web3Bridge have been a whirlwind of learning, laughter, and unexpected opportunities. As I settle into my role as governor and continue to learn from mentors like Franklin and staff like Deborah, I’m excited to share more about my journey. Stay tuned for my next post, where I’ll dive deeper into my experiences as governor and the evolving world of Web3.