It's really exciting to know that Hive Learner's community is a year old. This community has been a blessing in many ways. I remember when I joined Hive recently, it wasn't very easy to always put out any ideas here. I always felt like I didn't know how to write but the issue of what to write was the most challenging for me. Few months later, Hive Learner's community was created. I was excited to pass through the verification process and become a member.

A year down the lane, I can only look back with smiles because I have grown a great deal courtesy of the weekly featured contests. Though I didn't take part in all of the contests, it was a delight to always know that on days I was struggling with writer's block, this community always had a plan B waiting for me. Out of all the contests, my favourite was one in which we were asked to write a letter to our future self. A writing of faith: To my future self

That singular letter, like most of my other highlighted posts which I've included the links in this post, made me think deep into my future. Prospection, as scientists call it, can be incredibly beneficial in numerous ways. The contest had me thinking about my life for as far as I could remember and taking into consideration all that I'm thankful for and all that I intend to achieve in the coming years. This thought ranged from how I want to perform academically in school, what sort of job I'd like to take on afterwards, my love life; the kind of man I desire to spend the rest of my life with, how I intend to raise my kids etc.

Truth is I never really thought deeply about these things prior to that contest. You can see just how much positive impact a singular prompt had on me. I actually won that contest. My letter was highlighted and a gift of a few Hive tokens was sent to me. Surprisingly, a few days ago, a friend asked to see some of my best written works on Hive and while going through all my posts to get the best ones, I stumbled on the letter post and it gladdened my heart to read it again. That's because I was reminded of the things I desire to achieve in future and this kind of made me double my efforts towards getting them.

Apart from the letter contest, other favourite featured contests for me were as follows.

From Grass to Grace: The Story of my Review Writing Journey
In this contest I shared an inspiring story on how I struggled with writing and how I eventually learnt how to write reviews till I got really great at it.

This Little Attribute of Mine
In a world were most people are always talking about red flags, people's toxic behaviours and a lot of negativity, it was beautiful to have a featured contest that encouraged us to share our good traits with others. We get so busy and focused on the wrong aspect of things that we fail to give ourselves accolades for the good things we're capable of.

I intend to be an intentional parent
This contest enabled me to identify the good and bad about the way I was raised. Now, I'm determined to replicate the good and do better in the unpleasant aspects.

I'll love to bring more people into the fascinating world of Literature
This contest enabled me to share with others my passion about literature and why others should be happy to be a part of my world.

What were the benefits of taking part in these contests?

Taking parts in these featured contests has given me the opportunity to engage with other authors, learn about them and celebrate their wins as well. It certainly gave me the opportunity to be visible in the community too. The little curation by Lazy Panda has been a great encouragement to people like me and I believe others who are still trying to grow on the platform.

Now the anniversary proper😌

My gratitude goes out to the moderators, curators, those who suggest featured contests questions and all the members of this space who have kept the community bustling and in order. I don't really want to tag anyone so I don't get to leave any important person out.

Here's to wishing Hive Learner's community more growth, more wins and more celebrations. Cheers!🥂

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