![White Modern Back To School Photo Collage Landscape_20250617_110631_0000.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joeltells/48Totz2FRmGcJqpoDhLSm8R3BpAmshXqmzY5MUkRA2n8vQ7iHmWjFG6LLvrBEL8cmN.jpg)

Hailing from the beautiful Municipality of Compostela, Cebu is a man who lives an ordinary and simple life but dreams big, not just for himself but as well as for the significant people who helped lift him into where he is now. And yes, that man is me. While reading this, maybe you might ask yourself "What is this man up to life?", "What are his goals?", "Why is he here on Hive?" So sit back, relax, and let's travel and walk through the tale of my life. 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. ![CTU DANAO 04.09.25 JESSY-3772.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joeltells/23tvm3KtqEtfjFvsV35ToC26hRYCoBjMQS37dBc9EZorE8nXFrzDyABnokdWmZNKCDrsT.JPG) ![CTU-DANAO -04-09-25_ NJ-681.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joeltells/23xp6Zjb7BSgRhEVxHCqn95b5X9EK47UWscSkK2KvkwXZTBHRYJRC7Y1dAFg5rdc9D69Y.JPG) 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 ![FB_IMG_1750128392210.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joeltells/23sJvSMUoVUVXiVQp5bEu3KoLRJnAWAewaQV8C5vRuQ93knGMY1w7DqNnd8xdDMA9Wuo1.jpg) 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. ![FB_IMG_1750128567429.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joeltells/AKLu1jk5nRdb4SgDHcDNCkAHme6SpfHmmQAUHjMU9HwGvtSFsmxr7uEAWXvz428.jpg) ![FB_IMG_1750128512942.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joeltells/244ofLQta1HPArWRL2ceeZCp88Z4mnnKFg5S3Jcr68joXFHhH5nRh9UuVjqtL9AgXUibv.jpg) ![Messenger_creation_A771DDC3-4138-4BCD-9FFB-24B80BE542D8.jpeg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joeltells/23yd5nTzd3d5cQ4M18UESoYBWSLFqth9DZXuKZVZG6HEhFEWuk2W1VhVDkxfMJTB9A15Z.jpeg) 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. ![CTU DANAO 04.09.25 JESSY-3772.JPG](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joeltells/23tvm3KtqEtfjFvsV35ToC26hRYCoBjMQS37dBc9EZorE8nXFrzDyABnokdWmZNKCDrsT.JPG) ![FB_IMG_1750128432548.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joeltells/Ep7v7SVeNbKAc6GZzQeBTLBW8P1YotK1zqn1YK8C1EdJjJsWog4hS4hPXpxa1RRBz8x.jpg) ![FB_IMG_1750131791616.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joeltells/242466VYHgJpMYUgpfUZVqXceq9ipthq9kuPo8YcgephhhmJGb2WSfRmSHKPkpxLZrXrP.jpg) ![FB_IMG_1750131773495.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joeltells/23vhsjK8CAv4SoG1TsbNfKYZ4cGXSX78TYaHFPxauvz6LupZ1JtasFv4B7aGbeS2bQc6K.jpg) 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. ![FB_IMG_1750132210065.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joeltells/23tbHAEEtPr7i6bcfhKcJWMDNuWqbCEmkJdpT2SS57C1V6GGucqzgu9wXBrjwvZ3eGtkJ.jpg) ![FB_IMG_1750132238209.jpg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joeltells/2423uPC3BAV2KY2tmWeAg1s2NuBYZJFuAv3uNH1S4EGM5uLJzSMumk8YJdGh9SSAT6DHU.jpg) 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 ![Messenger_creation_E37E7C4C-4422-4960-A740-FB18E2FB5E4A.jpeg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joeltells/23ynNWh8Xgj2JxCzXqTy5PZyhHTkRLmEmkCPHVmYK8D2L6vqTbvHxY9Fr3UHTZF8g6jiS.jpeg) ![Messenger_creation_404A6102-CCF0-49F0-8FFD-7D4F97DEC9F8.jpeg](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joeltells/243zg5oQcG4EfGJpHhSgeyc3MjKGVZg28QHUENBxs97u1d3M5Rq9wkhZQcK5crbuFZ14c.jpeg) 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. ![Screenshot_2025-04-01-19-47-55-41_115643.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/joeltells/AK6Vn3YyJKaeeMEeCu4ZDtyteV8VxFNoi58VawVyVCAAGZwcYu6hBnPo9RVL1at.png) 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!