What's Life Worth Living For? — An Introductory Blog

"*Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all.*" This quote by Helen Keller has been my living mantra. It reminds me of the precious moments a person could ever have and how much of a waste it is to miss them. I haven't been to many places yet, but I dare to explore not only places but also the best moments life could offer.  Call me Amélie. If you ever wonder how I got that name, well, it's from a character in one of my favorite films, Amélie. Perhaps I adore her not only for her personality but also for our similarities. We both like to question many things, which I thought only I questioned. Just like her, I'm an ambivert, a neutral person who enjoys both other people's company and my own solitude. I have a deep fondness for literature, film, fashion, and adventure.  I am a fourth-year student of Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in English. Honestly, this course was neither my first option nor my last. But I am glad that this was the path I chose, not for practicality but for passion.    The journey has been a roller coaster, thanks to the people who have been with me and made it bearable, especially Almighty God, who always listens to my prayers and sorrows. I would not have reached this level without their support. In my almost four years in this field, I have learned a lot of literature that I would one day be delighted to share and teach to my students.   In the municipality of Tabogon, there lived an ordinary girl with tremendous dreams. The youngest daughter whose life had always been planned out. I have two older sisters and a younger brother. Our parents raised us with a kind of reasonable strictness that our younger selves will never understand. To some, it might have seemed suffocating, especially compared to those who had the freedom to do whatever they wanted. But for us, it became a silent training ground, teaching us what truly matters and what to prioritize.   I also serve as an SK Councilor in my hometown. Serving the community brings me great joy, as it allows me to be a voice for the youth. Together with the other officials, we take the initiative in planning and implementing programs that promote the welfare of young people. Although criticisms and judgments are inevitable, we remain steadfast and continue to fulfill our responsibilities. When it comes to my passions, I like to define them with the word FREE, which stands for Film, Reading, Editing, and Expressing. For me, FREE is beyond being an acronym or a state of being uncontrolled; it means me. These four interests have made my days brighter and molded me into the person I am today.  First, there's film. As a child, I was surrounded by individuals whose leisure time was always spent watching films or shows, and naturally, I was influenced by them. I have several favorites, and I'd like to share them by category. Let's begin with my favorite comfort movie, I believe nothing beats The Princess Bride(1987) and Disney animated classics. And when it comes to romance, I adore those with a touch of comedy such as How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days, 50 First Dates, 13 Going on 30, When Harry Met Sally, Crazy Rich Asians, About Time, and many more. Oh! If only I could list them all! For drama, there is one film that left the deepest mark on my heart and that is Life is Beautiful (1987). I think it took me nearly a week before I finally moved on from it. Lastly, in fantasy, I believe nothing can ever match J.R.R. Tolkien film series Lord of the Rings. Over time, my interest in film grew deeper as I started to view it not just as a form of entertainment but as a portrayal of the human race.  Next is reading. Though it might not be immediately noticeable about me, it's another source of joy. You can only see me reading in my safe space – either in my room or with someone I'm comfortable with. Long story short, I started reading when I saw a Reader's Digest magazine in our house. It was exceptionally well-written that I couldn't stop reading. From that day forward, I began looking for other materials to read.  One of my favorite books is Little Women by Louisa May Alcott. There is a line in it, originally from the hymn Come, Ye Disconsolate, that deeply resonates with my entire being: "Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal." As I read it, a teardrop fell and touched my fragile heart. I remember the feeling; it was like a warm embrace that held and healed the broken pieces of my soul. The third passion is editing (film and layouts), which is the least expected hobby of mine since I only discovered it when I was in my teens. It seemed complex and intimidating at first, but once I tried it, I learned to love it, which led to me a humble recognition in my class. And being recognized affirmed one of my favorite quotes: "You'll never know unless you try." Lastly, there’s expressing, which for me is synonymous with writing and acting. It is the most meaningful hobby I have, as it allows me to pour my thoughts onto paper in ways I often cannot say out loud, and to act them out in ways that reflect people’s emotions.   My passion for writing grew stronger when I joined campus journalism back in high school. Now in college, being part of the editorial board again has given me an experience so valuable that I would not trade it for anything. It is a treasured chapter of my journey, one I cannot imagine my college life without.    The same goes for acting, which I was only recognized for in my college years. Although not yet fully acknowledged, I am eager to enhance my skills in this craft. As you can see in the attached image, I played the role of Kya, the main character from Delia Owens’ book Where the Crawdads Sing. It was a nerve-racking moment because of the presence of high-ranking individuals in the audience. However, I drew courage from the faith my classmates placed in me, which helped me finish the play successfully. From then on, I realized how fulfilling it is to allow yourself to try new things and discover what you are truly capable of.  Again, FREE which stands for Film, Reading, Editing, and Expressing means so much to me beyond its literal definition. It also reflects my perspective on life. Mainly, to live freely and without guilt. I first came to know about Hive through our school’s publication, where most of my colleagues are already members. It was our adviser who introduced it to us and explained the opportunities we could gain from it. One member who deeply convinced me was @whosee, one of our brilliant writers. My desire to join this platform also stems from the way they described it, especially how @intoy.bugoy defined it during the orientation.  Unlike any other social media platform I have encountered, Hive has that kind of atmosphere that makes your life bring spark again. It's like a sanctuary for people searching for themselves and a space to appreciate the things we often take for granted. I want to be part of that space, especially as I navigate my own existential questions.  In becoming part of this community, I genuinely believe that I can contribute by sharing my ideas and introducing perspectives that are often overlooked. This platform can be a meaningful space for someone like me who wants not only to express but also to inspire. More than that, I'm willing to collaborate because I believe Hive grows stronger when everyone's voice is valued. These experiences, passions, and goals make my life worth living. I want to make a difference and leave a legacy, no matter how small.  As Ecclesiastes 9:10 says, "Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with all your might."