## Keren Ouaknine ##

**What's your name?**

Keren Ouaknine

**Which ApacheCon/Apache event did you attend?**

ApacheCon in Miami, FL 2017.

**What Apache project(s)/Open Source Software project(s) are you involved in?**

Apache AsterixDB, Apache Pig

**Were you a student/academic at the time of ApacheCon?**

Yes, Phd candidate at the Hebrew University.


**Where in the world are you from?**

Israel

**What would you say to someone thinking of applying to TAC for the first time?**

Apply, Apply!

ApacheCon is a unique opportunity to have great discussions with many
open-source committed people. I was grateful for the privilege to learn
about the Apache community and projects. The total number of sessions and
topics covered in those three conference days was mind blowing and I can
clearly remember us TAC-ers did not want it to end!

**What unexpected things did you learn at ApacheCon?**

Quick anecdote: I volunteered to help with the registration desk on the
first day of the conference along with a friend. Naturally, I familiarized
with many of the attendants, their names, workplace/organization. Following
which, I no longer felt as a wandering soul, seeking to find a female peer
to socialize with (like it often happens on conferences of this
scale). Instead,
I was part of the TAC-ers: united, incredibly nice, talented and organized
group. During the registration, more TAC-ers joined to help with the load
and together we mastered the incoming stream with ease and good spirit!

I cherish the friendship with all the TAC members and organizers and will
keep a very fond memory of this conference.