Good day everyone! I am Joel and I'm currently a graduating education student (I will finally graduate next week) pursuing Bachelor of Secondary Education Major in Mathematics at one of the famous universities here in Cebu. I am a middle child and the sole man among all my siblings. Yes, you read it right, and maybe upon reading this you might thought that I'm the most loved and treated specially in the family because I am the only one different, the only man among all of my siblings. But honestly, that's far from the real story.
Because, I act like the eldest child in the family because my older sister and younger sister would ask me advices before doing something, as I was viewed as someone brave in the family because I am the man. Little did they know, that I, too fear life's challenges. But I act courageous and optimistic, and try so hard to give my best everyday and keep moving forward.
At just a very young age, I witnessed and experienced the difficulties in life. It seems like I was awakened to the harsh realities early on, and those experiences shaped me to become the stronger person that I am right now. I am a product of a broken family. My parents separated when I was just a child, and because of that, my siblings and I lived with our grandparents in Leyte. I didn't have amazing childhood memories like playing different games with playmates because at just a young age, I was exposed to the realities in life. During my primary years, after going to school, I would usually help my grandmother sell food at the park. Also, at an early age, my siblings and I were taught household chores and had assigned tasks in cleaning our house. I am grateful to my grandparents for taking on the role of becoming our parents at that time. They are the ones who molded me into the person I am right now. My grandparents, especially my grandmother, were very strict back then, but I'm thankful because through her way of disciplining us, I became the responsible individual I am now. The values and skills they instilled in me have been very useful not just as a student, but also as someone who is about to enter the world of work (since I'm a graduating student). Throughout my experiences, I've learned life skills that would be significant for employment. Though our life with my grandparents was not easy, we were not rich, and everyday seems like survival mode because we were struggling financially, I am still happy and grateful because we were rich in love. They became my motivation to always do well in school. I grew up joining school organizations, accepting and never missing opportunities that came into my life. I am always striving because at a very young age, I realized I have to come out of my shell, make a difference, and help my loved ones rise out of poverty. They're the reasons why I dream big. My younger self always dreamed of graduating from college with my grandparents beside me on stage. Unfortunately, that dream is now impossible because they both passed away too soon.
But still, during my graduation pictorial, I brought their pictures with me to signify that I didn't forget them and they will always be in my heart. I know this dream of graduating from college is not just my personal dream, but also my grandparents' dream. And I know they're happy watching me from heaven, seeing me slowly achieving my dream of becoming a Mathematics teacher.
My Hobbies and Interests
Growing up, I discovered various passions, interests, and hobbies in life. I enjoy playing sports like badminton and volleyball. During high school, I joined these sports during Intramurals and enhanced my skills. I even experienced becoming the badminton champion in our school.
Also, I became fascinated in the subject Mathematics, which became the primary reason of me choosing this subject as major. Growing up, I would tutor children in our neighborhood and receive money from their parents as a token of gratitude for helping their children learn.
Moreover, I grew up as an extrovert who's fond of joining different school organizations, where I met amazing people. Since childhood, I've always found leadership amazing and I'm interested of making a difference, plan for the betterment of both school and community.
The Main Reason for Joining Hive & What I Can Contribute Here
As a man, I'm kind of shy about writing my story and experiences because I observed that it's not very common for men to write blogs. Also, I've always doubted myself, especially in writing, because I am not confident especially with my grammar. I am more confident in solving mathematical problems than writing blogs. But now I'm here on this beautiful platform, Hive, making it my new safe haven and turning writing into a new hobby, all because of a beautiful woman who introduced it to me and encouraged me to explore this platform. She made me realized that it's not too late to explore things and find a new hobby. I am also here because I feel like my stories are worth sharing and can inspire others.
On this platform, I will share many of my tales. These includes my travel experiences across different places in Cebu, Philippines, my personal development journey, about my pets, coffee shop visits, and many more. My tales will serves as a reminder that it's never too late to enjoy and find beauty in every situation. I also want to be inspired by reading other people's amazing stories here. So let's all learn, be inspired, and uplift one another on this beautiful platform.
People Who Introduced Me to Hive
Before deciding to join Hive, writing blogs was far from the many things I wanted to do. It's because I always doubted myself when it comes to writing. I felt like I was not as creative and inspiring as others. I was always doubtful and afraid of being criticized by others. But thanks to my beautiful girlfriend, @fevyulous, who introduced me to Hive. She shared her amazing experiences with Hive and described it as an amazing platform where you can freely write and people here are just so supportive. She assured me that I would become more confident here and be motivated by others' inspiring stories as well.
On April 1, 2025, I immediately attended an orientation about Hive discussed by Miss @jeannmazing, where it was thoroughly explained. The orientation made me even more excited to join Hive as it felt like a home where I could fully be myself, to inspire and be inspired. I'm also sure that Hive will help me improve my self-confidence, as well as my writing skills, which are very important in life. Thank you so much for reaching the end of this introduction blog of mine, I deeply appreciate each of you for reading my self-introduction blog. Till next time!
What a well-written intro, @joeltells! Welcomeee to Hive! I'm so glad, and all thanks to your beautiful partner, @fevyulous, for sharing and convincing you to join Hive. By the way, please don't stress about your grammar, your story is powerful and very much worth sharing. I am looking forward to your next blogsss. I hope you'll treat Hive as your new online home, so don't hesitate to post away your stories here. Have fun Hiving! 🤗🤗
Thank you miss @jeannmazing for the warm welcome ❤️
Welcome to Hive, @joeltells - I was moved by your story, especially when I read about your grandparents. Though they didn’t get to see you graduate, I have no doubt your grandparents would be incredibly proud of you.
!BBH
!ALIVE
Thank you for the kind words @hirohurl, hope to see more of your blogs here ☺️
Welcome to Hive lang @joeltells, so proud of you, happy hiving! 😻
Thank you for always believing in me @fevyulous ❤️
Welcome to Hive!
Thank you so much @roseandshine ☺️
Welcome to hive!! Enjoyyy
Thank you for the warm welcome @kayela, hope to see more of your blogs here 🤍
Welcome to Hive, Joel! 🌟 Your story is incredibly moving—so full of heart, honesty, and inspiration. You’ve been through so much, yet your strength, humility, and dreams shine so brightly. Your grandparents must be so proud of you from above, and I’m sure they’re smiling with joy seeing how far you’ve come. Your journey reminds us all that no matter how hard life gets, love and purpose can carry us through. Keep writing and sharing, your voice definitely belongs here. Looking forward to your future blogs! 🙌✨
Thank you for the kind words @pearlyshelll, hope to see more of your blogs here as well 🤍
Congratulations @joeltells! You have completed the following achievement on the Hive blockchain And have been rewarded with New badge(s)
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STOPthank you @hivebuzz 🤍
Welcome to Hive @joeltells! Your first upvotes are a big step and we're thrilled to have you here.
Hi @joeltells welcome to Hive. I'm @palomap3 from Lovesniper OCD team.
I'm glad your lovely girlfriend @fevyulous brought you to Hive. I admire your strength and how you've overcome all the difficulties to fulfil your dreams and those of your ancestors. Your story is inspiring. You definitely have a lot to contribute here. Be yourself and follow @jeannmazing's advice. I wish you every success.
Tips and information as a Hive newbie here: newbie guide.
Communities you might like that are part of the OCD Communities Incubation Program. Important: read their rules and post in the one that fits your content.
Have a good day!
Thank you so much for the kind words @lovesniper, I will surely do well here and just be myself 🤍
Wow! happy graduation in advance! and welcome here on hive. Enjoy sharing your blogs soon.
Quite a journey you got there! I am sure wherever your grandparents are now, they are beaming with smiles and pride for your achievements. I'm an education graduate, too. And it's not an easy course. It's very demanding at times. But you will graduate next year, kapit lang kapatid.
You can try making a vision board. Find a cardboard, post all the photos of your dreams there, and place it near where you can always see it. When I'm depressed or unmotivated, I always look at my board. It doesn't remove the problems right away, but it strengthens the spirit. ☺️
I wish you the best in your endeavours 🙏
I was caught by "The Tale of Joel". What an impressive intro you got there. Welcome to Hive! 😊