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# Meet RailsConf 2023 Scholar: Dominic Lizarraga
- URL: https://rubycentral.org/news/meet-railsconf-2023-scholar-dominic-lizarraga/
- Published: 2024-02-16T18:00:23.000Z
- Updated: 2026-05-05T22:17:15.000Z
- Author: Irene Kannyo
- Tags: Community, Conferences

Thinking of applying to this year's RailsConf [Scholars and Guides program](https://rubycentral.org/scholars%5Fguides%5Fprogram/)? Read on to hear from last year's Scholars about what it was like and why you should take the leap and apply!

![](https://storage.ghost.io/c/17/0a/170a5cb5-5524-4ba0-93b6-f17fc9bacca6/content/images/2024/01/DOMINIC-FINAL-2---Dominic-Lizarraga.png)

### Name: 

Dominic Lizarraga

### Professional Title:

Software Developer

### How did you get into Ruby?

Attending Le Wagon bootcamp.

### Are there any Ruby projects you're working on that you're excited about? 

I'm very into Keto, glucose control, morning stretching and want to develop a small app for those topics.

### Why did you decide to join the Scholars/Guides program?

It was a big event and I knew that going on my own would not be easy because English is my second language and also because I'm a junior dev so I thought I can ease the onboarding process by applying to scholar program and it did :)

### What was the highlight of the conference for you?

Meeting new people, juniors, managers, etc and being mindful that the big minds behind rails are humans as well.

### What surprised you, if anything about your RailsConf2023 experience?

The staff is incredible, well-coordinated, always open to answer your questions, the community is accessible, don't matter your background.

### Any advice for first-time conference attendees?

Don't be afraid to talk to someone who you don't know, they are very friendly, they never make you feel bad and who knows maybe there is a potential new employer and partnership.

### Any other final thoughts?

Great experience, I have no words to describe it, every single moment was unforgettable, the community is amazing and I'm really convinced to keep helping in any way I can and hope to be sharing good news soon, thank you all for doing this possible :) 

### *Thank you Dominic for sharing your story! Feeling ready to apply to be a Scholar or Guide? Sign up* [*here*](https://rubycentral.org/scholars%5Fguides%5Fprogram/) *today!*