Good day, Hivers! My name is Kristine, and I am 23 years old. I am the youngest of four siblings and my parents' only daughter.
I grew up with my grandparents since my mother and father were busy working to provide for our basic needs. As a child, I never realized that my parents were my biological parents since they only visited us often, and I got bewildered every time I saw them. I remember asking my grandmother why I have to call them "mama" and "papa" (mom and dad) since as far as I knew, my "Lolo and Lola" (grandparents) were my mother and father. She told me they're my parents and the reason why they rarely visited us was that they were working hard in the city to provide us with our daily needs.
My biological mother and father split apart during my elementary days. They're not legally separated, but it was a mutual decision for them to part ways due to several conflicts. However, they don't have any other family after they separated, and even up until the present.
Growing up, I was not that close to my whole family and rarely told them about my feelings. I wasn't able to tell them all my emotions and thoughts since I was born into a family that is not open and affectionate with each other. That's why I came to seek that affection from other people, which is why I have many friends. I am very loud and open when I am with my friends and silent and composed when I am with my family.
I remember during my high school years, I was so active. I consistently joined lots of writing contests and participated in many school activities. I traveled to other parts of North Cebu to attend significant events and represent my school.
After graduating from high school, I transferred to a private school, where I finished my senior high school years. My mother and older brother, the second among the siblings, were the ones who paid for my tuition fee, and I'm so grateful for them.
There, I discovered myself having fun and doing things I had never done before, and I have no doubts that my senior high school years were the best years as a student and as a teenager. Maybe enrolling in a city where everything is new to me made me excited. I haven't been super happy and free since I was young. Additionally, I've promised myself that I'd strive hard in school for the betterment of my future.
When I graduated from senior high school, I enrolled at a state university, where I am presently taking a Bachelor of Elementary Education. I took this course since teaching is my passion, and I know that educating and changing students' lives is my calling. Since I was in primary school, I have admired all my teachers for how they taught us everything, even the irony of life. They made a great impression that made me dream of being one of them. So, after graduating from senior high, I already knew what I wanted from the start. In my first year of being a college student, it was hard for me to cope with all the lessons since I felt that I was all alone in the classroom. I felt like an outcast in the class. I had that feeling that no one wanted to befriend me, and it was really hard for me, especially when we were given a group activity. I wanted to give up my dream of becoming a teacher, but it was tough to give it up knowing that it is my passion and ambition, and I just can't give it up just because I can't feel the sense of belonging. It's my passion, so I'll be grabbing it.
In the middle of the first semester, my brother, who supported me financially, left the country as he was given an opportunity to work as a teacher abroad. Without my brother's presence, I've been struggling secretly. There was a time that I hadn't eaten for a day, and it was a miracle if I got a complete meal. I had also been neglecting my studies because I needed an allowance for my fare. I didn't ask for any help from my mother or my father because I didn't want to burden them since they were also facing health problems. I couldn't reach my brother as he had reminded me that the country he would be working in was banned from using social media such as Facebook and Messenger. It was one of the darkest times of my life. To make it short, I am currently in my last year in college, and I am very optimistic that I can make it because I know God is with me and my family, who are rooting for my success.
MY HOBBIES/INTERESTS
When I am at home, and after doing my chores, I spend my time reading pocketbooks, Wattpad, playing mobile games such as Mobile Legends, and watching Disney movies and K-dramas. Sometimes, I play chess with my boyfriend, cousins, and even my classmates or schoolmates, but most of the time, I love to spend my time alone reading stories and listening to music. Quality time with myself comforts me and gives me a sense of peace and freedom.
REASON FOR JOINING HIVE
My primary reason for joining Hive is to be part of a new community. I believe being a member on this platform means having the opportunity to meet and interact with many people, which will help me improve my communication skills. Last but not least, to assist me in becoming more self-aware and capable of expressing my emotions and thoughts. Here in Hive, I'll be able to share incredible ideas or experiences with you that you would find amusing. I would also love to read your thoughts and adventures, to get to know more of you and get inspiration.
HOW I GOT TO KNOW HIVE
@mejoy initially joined Hive, and she encouraged @jeannmazing to join, and @jeannmazing has been telling me to join with her because this is such a wonderful platform for people like me. She said that it's a platform with different communities for our various life events and interests to share, and other people's blogs to read. So I came with her for an orientation on September 9, 2023, since I was in our province then and was very available. Hive was introduced and discussed with us by Miss @indayclara, sir @ybanezkim26, and sir @intoy.bugoy. I'm grateful for all of them.
Moreover, I’m sure I will learn a lot on this platform. I’ll be able to explore, improve my writing skills, and, provided that I love to read, I know I’ll have a good time reading blogs here. Thank you so much, everyone, for reading my self-introduction. I hope we will all have a good time here on Hive.