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! 💐