Looking Back at a Proud Moment from 2021

One of the highlights of my journey in 2021 was being awarded the European Software Testing Excellence Award by EuroSTAR. I still remember the moment I heard the news — I felt incredibly humbled and proud. To be recognized by a community I respect so deeply, for work that’s so close to my heart, was truly special.

The award wasn’t just about me. It was a recognition of the mission behind Dragons Out! — to bring the world of software testing to children in a way that sparks curiosity and imagination. Through dragons, knights, and a little bit of magic, I wanted to help young minds understand something that can often feel too technical or abstract.

Creating Dragons Out! and watching it reach children and adults around the world reminded me why I started this journey in the first place. I believe learning should be fun, and that even the most complex concepts can be shared in ways that are meaningful, relatable, and even a bit adventurous.

As the secretary of ISTQB and someone who's been in this field for more than two decades, this award reminded me how much of an impact storytelling can have, even in technical domains. It also gave a big boost to my company, Dragons Out Oy, which continues to promote software testing for the next generation.

Looking back, 2021 was a year of gratitude, growth, and a renewed sense of purpose. Thank you to everyone who supported me on this path — and to all the little testers out there, may your dragons always be kept in check!

—Kari Kakkonen

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