ARRIVING IN NIGERIA, your senses will be awakened to a symphony of sights, sounds, and scents as you stand beside the Atlantic Ocean. The warm sea breeze has a salty tang and a tinge of tropical greenery. Looking out to sea, you'll see the great expanse of the water meet the sky in a mesmerising blend of azure hues. Palm trees sway gracefully along the beach, their fronds rustling in time with the surf. Golden dunes reach invitingly beneath your feet, and colourful fishing boats dot the lake. Greetings everyone! I'm Joy Kalu from Nigeria, a land of natural beauty with a combination of marine splendour and lush coastal landscape!
BACKGROUND
I'm from the eastern part of Nigeria.
The eastern part of Nigeria offers a picturesque landscape of rolling hills, lush forests, and vibrant cultures. Visitors will encounter bustling cities like Enugu, rich in history and commerce. The region's traditional architecture, colourful markets, and warm hospitality provide a captivating glimpse into Nigeria's diverse heritage.
Despite the fact that the eastern part of Nigeria offers unique vistas and rich cultures in most states, 
Picture description: me swimming and enjoying nature
this is not the case in my place of residence. Poor roads, wading through innumerable gullies filled with ponding water, and much more that I don't like to discuss have had a significant impact on nearly everything in my city of residence. 
Photo credit: shot by my elder brother
Regardless, I don't allow it get into me and steal my peace of mind and joy, but it has positively affected me to see ways to contribute to a better society.
As a result, this has had a significant good impact on me as a person.
Growing up as the second of four siblings, I embraced my Igbo background and proudly flaunt my ebony skin, short black hair, and average height with a slender physique. Beyond appearances, my genuine colours shine through in my hobbies: singing and dancing, which provide delight to my heart. But there's more to me than meets the eye. Empathy, trustworthiness, and a loving disposition fuel my character. These characteristics are anchored in my Christian faith and guide my behaviours as I navigate life's path.
Growing up, I've always wanted to make a difference in my community, just as nature gives us reasons to keep doing so. I'm always on the lookout for new things! Yes, I am insatiably curious! This has inspired me to participate in a variety of workshops and volunteer opportunities, both of which have introduced me to new methods to problem solving and provided me with significant experience and insight. Thanks to Prince David who goes with the username name @herculeand, for introducing me to Hive, one of those that understands my burning drive to make a difference!
EXPERIENCE
I hold a Notional Deploma certificate in the filed of Community Health.
I wear multiple hats professionally: I am the Founder and CEO of Tunnel Lighters Enterprise, a visionary driving innovation
I am also the CFO of Communities Will Connect, which facilitates meaningful interactions. I thrive on delivering memorable experiences as the Chief Organizer of the High School Summit for both 2022 and 2023.
A flyer of the high school summit that has been done
Photo credit: Communities Will Connect
My expertise as a digital marketer, as certified by Google, has allowed me to build a name for myself in the online world.
Recognitions have come my way, such as second place in the Javee writing competition and co-founding the Assist Her Initiative, which promotes empowerment. As a Girl Rising ambassador, I advocate for equality and education.
Consider entering my universe again, where Aba's reality displays a rocky route home, signifying our community's difficulties.
Photo credit: my elder brother
Nonetheless, I stand firm, confronting the difficulties straight on. As the brains behind Feed Abians, I lead a woman-led initiative that combats the eroding impact of climate change through innovative cover cropping with groundnuts and potatoes. Recycling takes centre stage as well, transforming wasted materials into fertile sources for planting veggies, so tackling poverty and climate change at the same time.
VOLUNTEERING WORKS
My commitment to community health is unequivocal, particularly when it comes to children. Over the years, I've taken on many leadership roles, whether at school, volunteering, or project management. In one notable endeavour, I joined forces to prevent a polio outbreak impacting young children. In a fantastic effort, we touched roughly 300 children in Umuogele village, helping to achieve sustainable development goals.
In August 2021, I volunteered in my neighbourhood's fight against measles and yellow fever. In July of the same year, I was a featured speaker, sharing my knowledge of nutrition and skills through Communities Will Connect projects.
My involvement with the Google Developers Group in Aba demonstrates my interest in technology.
For four years, I've dedicated myself to the success of the Google Developers Group Festival, contributing to Abia State's thriving digital economy.
WHY AM I HERE?
Hive is a one-of-a-kind platform that nurtures a large number of change makers that are passionate about bringing about change by harnessing the power of networks, relationships, and knowledge for the greater good. Thus, I hope to gain methods and skills that support a social and culturally diverse community population, refine my change-making ideas to help lessen problems in my neighborhood, and meet with like-minded individuals who are excited about learning new things. I won't be a parasite anyway; you'll all learn a lot from me as I contribute greatly to Hive's growth and success!
Me at the far left
Photo credit: Rad5 Tech Hub
SPECIAL APPRECIATION
Thank you, @indayclara, on behalf of the @ocd team. I also want to thank @lovesnipe
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It's nice meeting you! See you around 🫶
Hi Joy! Happy to meet you and welcome here on Hive ฅ^•ﻌ•^ฅ
Welcome to #hive to Joy. I'm really happy that to finally made your way to this amazing platform.
Gradually take your time to explore the platform. There are so many communities, you will have to pick the once that match your interest. Here on hive you will meet like minds who will help you reach your goal.
Once again welcome @joyforme.
!ALIVE
!HUG
I sent 1.0 HUG on behalf of @herculeand.
(1/3)
Thank you @hug.bot
@joyforme! You Are Alive so I just staked 0.1 $ALIVE to your account on behalf of @herculeand. (1/10)
The tip has been paid for by the We Are Alive Tribe through the earnings on @alive.chat, feel free to swing by our daily chat any time you want, plus you can win Hive Power and Alive Power delegations and Ecency Points in our chat every day.
Thanks
Hi @joyforme , I'm impressed with the way you share your life and your community here at Hive. Welcome and enjoy staying here! See you around! and wait, You're so beautiful.😍
Aww, thank you!!@missellimac
Hi @joyforme and welcome to Hive. I see you're new and also see you posted this already a few hours ago. Please don't post the same content multiple times on Hive as that is considered abuse.
Thanks for the feedback too @erikah
Wow wonderful write up
Thanks you @mikechrist
Hey @leisasa. Thank you for heading my advice on making an introduction blog!
I love how you describe the eastern part of Nigeria as a dreamy, beautiful place to be. Perhaps you can show us with your future blogs. Also, I admire your courage and drive to initiate and lead such big movements or events that help the children in your area. Those are not easy goals to achieve but you manage to do so. You might will definitely be inspired by this: An Impactful Journey With Hive Towards Access to Clean Water.
We encourage you to share your future blogs in the appropriate communities. These are niche groups that allow you to connect and engage with like-minded people who share a common interest like the ones I've suggested for you. They have their leaders/moderators that also guide new users and promote quality posts. The OCD Communities Incubation Program highlights supported communities that have great engagement levels. You might want to check them out too.
Apart from a compilation of resources found in newbies-guide, here are some valuable resources that could help you understand how things work here on Hive:
👉How To Get A Great Start on the Hive Blockchain
👉3 things Newbies should do in their first week on Hive
👉Hive & Integrity
Certain actions are frowned upon here on Hive like Plagiarism, Recycling Content, and Comment Spamming - just to name some. You can read this to be guided accordingly. It's also a must to read the rules and guidelines before posting in a specific community. Also, we did notice that you posted this introblog twice. Double posting is not ok here. So I do suggest you follow the instructions I drop on your first one.
Navigating here on Hive can be somewhat tricky so make sure to check out the things mentioned above. Once again, Congratulations on embarking on a new journey here in Hive.
This is @indayclara from the @ocd team and we wish you all the best.
Thank you! @lovesniper 🌹
Welcome to Hive @joyforme! 😃 May you achieve success in whatever endeavor you set your sights on 😊 Hope you find it to be an enjoyable journey into the communities here, warm greetings from @dbuzz, cheers! 🍾
D.Buzz is a great place for you to freely express what you want with our microblogging platform. Feel free to make an introduction post and let the community know who you are. 🐝
Thank you @dbuzz.rewards
Your experiences in Nigeria are very captivating! Your detailed descriptions of the Atlantic Ocean's beauty and the rich culture in the eastern region create a beautiful image. It's motivating to see how you've embraced your Igbo heritage and your passions like singing and dancing.
Your strength in facing challenges is impressive, and your dedication to creating a positive impact is evident in your projects. Your involvement in community health, digital marketing, and volunteering is praiseworthy and shows your commitment. Your innovative actions to address climate change and your role in achieving sustainable development goals are impressive. Your enthusiasm to learn and contribute on Hive is truly admirable, and I look forward to seeing your valuable contributions to the community's growth and success. Keep shining, Joy Kalu!
Thanks a lot! @jolynbarcibal🌹
Good to see you here @joyforme enjoy your stay
Thanks