MY SWEET JOURNEY IN HIVE: DISCOVERIES OF A NEW BEE

Hi, sweeties. I hope you are all flourishing as you deserve. I am absolutely thrilled to be a part of the Hive community. The excitement is overwhelming and I'm just as happy as a busy bee on a sunny day!

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ABOUT ME
I am Erika, but most call me Kai or Ikay, which I prefer. I am a 20-year-old newbie here. I originally came from Manila, but currently call Cebu City, Philippines, my home. Right now, I’m in my 4rth year at Cebu Technological University, studying Business Administration with a Major in Marketing Management.

Being the first and only daughter in my family, the first niece, and the first granddaughter among my cousins, I have always been told to be wise, intelligent, and ambitious. And that’s precisely what I have strived to do. Yet, the weight of these expectations has been overwhelming. I fear failure because I don’t want to let down those who believe in me, especially my family and friends.

My fear drives me toward success. However, there are times when life teaches us that we can’t always reach directly to our destinations, just like how bees don’t always find nectars in the first flower they visit to produce honey. Sometimes they must persistently search until they find the right one. Given that life is unpredictable, I have trained myself to be strong and optimistic. I believed I didn’t have a choice, or at least that’s what I thought. I decided to pursue my ambitious goals because I want to keep moving forward and enjoy a fruitful journey.

During junior high, I was so introverted. I was entirely focused on my studies , avoiding socializing with others, having fun, and making memories. I regret this the most as I missed out a lot during those years. But, in college, I have been gradually becoming more outgoing. I’m exploring new things and places, both independently and with my family and friends. I have come to realize that there is more to life than school and academics. The real world awaits me, and I am prepared to face it, no matter what.

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MY PASSION AND INTERESTS
When I was younger, I was introduced to karaokes. There wouldn’t be an occasion when we didn’t include karaoke in our activities. I had a chance to practice and improve my singing style. As the years passed by, my love for singing grew , and I’ve come to appreciate my voice even more. Singing really helps me express myself and be creative. It is a calming outlet, especially when I’m at my lowest point in life.

Apart from singing, I love reading stories on wattpad and diving into books across various genres such as romance, comedy, mystery, science fiction, and even horror. Each genre teaches me something new. Reading stirs up my imagination. It is a continuous learning process that I really enjoy. It makes me feel like I’m the main character in the story, going on adventures without leaving my house.

Photography is another passion of mine. I enjoy capturing scenery , food trips, and adventures. As a sentimental person, I cherish holding onto memories and experiences, often by capturing, storing, and uploading pictures. This helps me recall the emotions and experiences that I felt during those moments.

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I am a big fan of board games, especially Scrabble, whether in the traditional or online format. Wordplay and mental puzzles are right up my alley, so I wouldn’t miss a day without stimulating and exercising my brain with various board games.

Exploring new flavors and cuisines really excites me. Even though I don’t splurge on purchases, I gladly spend and indulge myself on delightful food adventures. After all, for me, food is life!

Memes? They’re my instant mood lifters whenever I’m feeling down. Sharing memes with friends, even using our own pictures, lift up our moods.They have the power to turn my gloomy days into brighter ones, spreading laughter and joy to all. You know what they say, “Life is better when you’re laughing”! Well, not too much, though.

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MY REASON FOR JOINING HIVE
Ever since I was young, I have been drawn to writing and diving into various reads. Be it stories, poems, or articles, they have always satisfied my craving for learning something new. Writing allows me to express myself creatively. Also, I love how people uniquely express themselves and create visual representations through writing.

But more than that, I have always wanted to be a part of a place where I belong — a community where I can freely express myself. That is why I joined this platform. It is a great space where I can connect with others and share my thoughts. It is not just about writing: it is also about finding my place and learning from others who share my passion.

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MY CONTRIBUTION TO HIVE
What I can bring to the table for the Hive community are my thoughts and experiences. I’ll provide a blend of content in my blogs, featuring aspects of both provincial and city life, filled with both information and entertainment that everyone can enjoy.

I am eager to share my personal experiences and create a connection with your diverse perspectives. I am enthusiastic to provide new insights and learn from your experiences. I am keen on understanding your insights and gaining a deeper appreciation of life, to broaden our perspectives together. Moreover, I aim to foster vibrancy and positivity within the Hive community as we engage and interact with one another.

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WHO INTRODUCED ME TO HIVE
Before this, I had no idea about Hive. It was my classmate, @jeannmazing, who shared her Hive experience and provided me a brief overview. Her insights picqued my interest and I became eager to learn more about Hive. That’s why I decided to join the orientation, which took place on December 17, 2023, at Workplace Cafe in Guadalupe, Cebu City.

I was provided with greater insights into the Hive by Sir @intoy.bugoy. The orientation was incredibly enlightening, and I had a great experience throughout. I truly appreciated his warmth and welcoming nature. The orientation also allowed me to make new friends among other aspiring blog content creators.

So, bee-utiful people of Hive, I am thrilled to be here with all of you. I can't wait for us to share and engage with one another. Let’s build a hive filled with buzz-itive vibes!