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The original was posted on /r/opensource by /u/Helpful_Battle_3294 on 2025-06-25 20:42:41+00:00.
Hi there! Hope this post finds you well!
Hi everyone! I’m a computer science undergrad student in Brazil, and over the past year I’ve really fallen in love with the world of Free and Open Source Software. I’ve become a daily GNU/Linux user, and I’ve been diving into tools, communities, and ideas that completely changed the way I see technology. More than just using FOSS tools, I’ve realized that teaching others about them and contributing to open ecosystems is something I care deeply about.
The problem is: my university doesn’t have any kind of FOSS-focused initiative. Nothing about Linux, no open source projects, no install fests — not even talks about it. And that’s why I’ve decided to create a club from scratch. My goal is to bring together students who want to explore open source development, organize workshops and talks, contribute to projects during the semester, and most of all, spread the philosophy behind free software. I truly believe we need this kind of culture in academia — especially in public universities, where openness and collaboration should be core values.
Beyond that, this project is also personal. It’s my way of taking leadership, sharing something I believe in, and building a portfolio that goes beyond class grades. But it’s been hard to explain that to some people — like my dad, for example — who doesn’t fully get why I’d invest time in something “voluntary” instead of focusing purely on paid opportunities. I see this club as an investment: in visibility, in networking, in technical skills, in initiative. But I’d love to hear from people who’ve done something similar.
Have you started or joined an open source club during university? How did you get people on board? What impact did it have on your personal growth or career? How do you explain the value of open source to people who don’t quite get it?
Any stories, advice, or encouragement would mean a lot. I’m just getting started, and I want to make this project something that lasts — not just for me, but for everyone who believes in technology that’s open, shared, and built together.
Thanks in advance!