Finding Community at Drupal Dev Days Athens

“Come for the code, stay for the community.” I truly believe this isn't just a motto; it perfectly encapsulates the real essence of Drupal.

I started working and interacting with this CMS about three years ago. It was a wonderful surprise; I never imagined there was such a massive, tight-knit community behind it. It's truly incredible. Drupal Dev Days Athens was my first major international event, as well as my first experience as a speaker—an opportunity where we talked about the integration between React and Single Directory Components.

Those were fantastic days. I met so many people to exchange ideas with, and everyone made me feel right at home despite my initial language barriers. This experience helped me grow, gave me a fresh perspective on my work, and showed me how to improve it moving forward. I learned many new things and attended talks that motivated me to push my boundaries.

My First Drupal Dev Days

Participating in Drupal Dev Days Athens gave me the opportunity to experience the Drupal community beyond online discussions and project contributions. As a first-time attendee at a major international Drupal event, I found an environment where people were eager to share knowledge, discuss ideas, and support one another regardless of experience level or background.

The Details That Make the Difference

One moment I deeply appreciated was the group photo. It perfectly captured the idea of unity: we were all together to show that we support each other and support Drupal. At the same time, I highly respected the choice given to everyone to opt out of the photo. It may seem like a small detail, but it reflects the inclusivity and respect that are central to this community.

I also had the opportunity to meet Dries Buytaert. He is a humble, approachable, and genuinely welcoming person. Being able to spend a few moments talking with him was memorable, and it reinforced how remarkable it is that someone so grounded created the ecosystem that Drupal has become today.

A special thank you goes to all the volunteers who made the event possible. They did an amazing job throughout the conference, from the welcome desk and session support to the closing ceremony. The Social Night was another highlight, creating space to get to know people beyond their technical roles and discover the interests, ideas, and passions that make this community so vibrant.

Overcoming Stage Fright

Then came the moment for my talk. I was nervous because it was my first time speaking in English in front of such a large audience. I worried that my language skills would hold me back or that I might come across as awkward.

Instead, I found an audience that listened without judgment. People were attentive, encouraging, and supportive. Rather than feeling like I was presenting to strangers, I felt like I was speaking to a community that genuinely wanted me to succeed. That support helped me deliver the presentation with confidence and made the experience far more enjoyable than I had imagined.

I would also like to thank my mentor, Vincenzo Gambino, who supported me throughout the preparation of the talk, helped develop the idea behind it, and introduced me to the Drupal ecosystem. Through that introduction, I have had the opportunity to meet many extraordinary people and become part of a community that continues to inspire me.

Looking Ahead

Drupal Dev Days Athens left me with new ideas, new friendships, and renewed motivation to contribute to the ecosystem. Experiences like this remind me that open source is not only about technology; it is also about people, collaboration, and the willingness to help one another grow.

I am currently looking for contributors interested in helping with the development of the UX React module, with the goal of making this work accessible and available to anyone who wants to use it. If you are interested in contributing or would simply like to discuss the project, I would be happy to connect.