Well written. Thank you.

Learning about HIVE before you come on board is an awesome idea. Unfortunately it is much easier to say than do. HIVE is a funny beast that is hard to figure out until you are actually working with it :)

I absolutely agree with developing your passion. It is those people who are passionate about things and love something that make the most interesting people to read.

However, you mention being passionate about writing. Ugh. Personally I hate writing. I love problem solving and dreaming of a better world. For me writing is a necessary evil...I have to do it if I'm going to get things done.