GET TO KNOW JANE

Hello, Hive!
And hello, world! 🌸

I am Jane, just turned 18, a student living in Cebu City's miracles. I want to be a future lawyer ⚖️ but at present, I am taking a BA in Political Science as my pre-law course. I suppose I am what they call a "Jack of all trades, master of none." And you got that right! Among the many hats I wear, one fits flawlessly well: the writer's hat 🪶. Whether I am journaling literary works, producing research papers to an extensive depth, or bringing life to blogs, writing has always been my default escape and my preferred means of expression.

Badminton. It is the sport in which I have thrived best in the 17 years 🏸. It is the one that has influenced my life the most. Through numerous competitions, I have been privileged to represent my hometown and get to travel to many different places 🏆. My family, in a sense, lives and breathes badminton. My dad is not only an incredible player but is also a thoughtful coach at a state college, molding the future generation of athletes 💥. My brother is a great player in his own right, usually motivating me with his hard work and talent 🎖️. Although my mother is not as athletic, the game is in her blood. She is a passionate badminton coach at a state school, sharing her experience with younger generations ✨. Do you now understand when I said we are a family of badminton? 😁

Photography. My passion, my drive, my lifeline 📷. I can't even remember when it began, but I have been drawn to the art of capturing moments for as long as I can recall. I don't even know when it started, but I have always been fascinated by the process of taking pictures. What began with a poor-quality phone camera somehow evolved into a gallery of gorgeous images that stopped people in their tracks 👁️. Despite the grainy resolution and lack of light, something in those images resonated with others, perhaps it was the view, the feeling, or the narrative beyond the frame 🫀. That was when I knew, that it is not merely a matter of the gear, it is a matter of the eye, the heart, and the capacity to notice beauty that others may not 🙆‍♀️. Since that day, photography is no longer a hobby, but a way for me to communicate my soul 🔮.

Art. My first love. Since a very young age, art has been close to my heart 🎨. From the bright colors that captivated me as a toddler or just my appreciation for beauty, something about the process of creating resonated with me 🖌️. I was captivated by the ability colors had to give life to a white canvas, how forms and shapes could convey emotions and speak a thousand words without saying anything at all 🌺. It was more than a passing fancy, it was a profound, almost primal connection to something greater than myself, something that seemed timeless and endless. Art was a means through which my younger self could convey my world wonder.

Hiking and Jogging. As an athlete, I am most likely required to stay fit 💪. I try to open my horizons to the world of athleticism by adding hikes and jogs to my routines. Hiking creates strength and balance 🏞️, and jogging maintains my heart and endurance in line 🏃‍♀️. These workouts keep life exciting and keep me encouraged while also allowing me some time outdoors 🧘‍♀️.

Music. It was not originally my favorite pastime, but years later, I have grown to love its magic 🎶. I think it began with my older brother, who introduced me to its beauty and opened my eyes to its wonder 💡. The way they loved various styles of music, the way they could turn a song into an experience, slowly drew me in 💗. And now, music is such a large aspect of my life, a source of inspiration, emotion, and even comfort ☁️. There is just something about the power of a melody to change your mood or a lyric that seems to be speaking directly to you. It is like learning a new language that everyone knows but nobody can explain ✨.

Movies and Books. Whenever I am in the mood to relax or recharge, I lose myself in a good story, whether that's reading a whole book📖, binge-watching episodes of a show 📼, or losing myself in a whole film 🎞️. It is my escape route, but also my means of reconnecting with myself and my feelings. The characters, the plot surprises, the small things, it's like every tale provides me with a moment to think or just feel something intensely 🌟. Do you have a favorite genre or a recent book/movie that is stuck with you? 🤔

Writing. Writing healed me 💌. I believe that it is not an exaggeration to say that if ever my previously discussed hobbies led me somewhere, this pursuit, in particular, led me here, to how far I was able to go 🙏. It is as if each time I write, I am charting the path of my journey, where I have been, where I am now, and where I am going. It is by writing that I have found my power, clarity, and even weakness ✍️. And the best thing? It is a conversation with myself that never gets cut short ✨.

These things are not merely a means to waste time, they are for staying grounded and motivated ❣️. And, in all honesty, it is exciting to know what other new passions I will find next 😁. Especially with a group that inspires and loves just as much creativity and self-expression. To be among people who get it and will appreciate what you are passionate about makes it all the more rewarding ❇️. Who knows where this ride will lead me next?

Lastly, I am endlessly grateful to Ms. @dehai for welcoming me to a community that is brimming with creativity and shared love for writing. 🙏 With that, we have only just begun this adventure together. One thing's for sure, I am excited to see where it goes with HIVE! 💐