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Who am I?

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“I am a Hiver!!!”

It feels so good to say that.

_{Meet me- Gates Ogbebor Ibude- @gates-oi 😉 (made with Canva)}

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My name is Gates Ogbebor. I’ve been writing for a very long time. At age seven, I realized I had this flair after attempting to write a novella, which I successfully did. Since then, I scarcely let any opportunity to write pass me. Here I am with another great privilege, HIVE.

The Hive community! A place that already feels like home.

I’m from Edo state, Nigeria. But, I was born in Lagos state, western Nigeria, where I’ve lived all my life. It is why I speak the Yoruba language better than my mother tongue.

Recently, I worked on a job about language vitality and felt sad when I realized that I was contributing to the extinction of my mother tongue, which is why I’m now making a conscious effort to learn it and become fluent. I hope to share that journey with the Hive community!

I’m the last child of my parents, with three older siblings.

How Far with my Education?

I am presently an undergraduate at the University of Benin (Uniben), studying Physiology [that might change soon]—my course.

_{A photo from a boring day 🙂}

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As a science student in secondary school, my grades were exceptional except for a recurring issue. Most people thought I made a costly mistake by choosing the science field. I didn’t flinch.

At some point, it got to me. I took a break from writing and hoped the critics would stop, but they didn’t. Thanks to a teacher who realized I had a talent when she heard me speak at different times. She helped me regain my confidence.

Since then, my reply to such claims became: “I am a talented writer with an undying passion for science.”

What is my Free Time About?

I am a writer (storyteller, poet, and essayist), photographer, blogger, and aspiring model. That’s beside the little things I do to keep my hands busy, like crocheting.

_{I was occupied with my blog ✍️}

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What I love about everything I do, every skill I have, and every job I take is that I enjoy them. I have a connection with heaven when I do them. If only we could always do what we want in life, if only.

I acquired photography skills when schools were closed due to the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020. I started blogging sometime in May this year. I blog about friendships with little self-care tips as icing on the cake (I’d include the link below in case you want to check it out).

Furthermore, I’m still an aspiring model because my height restricts me, sigh. A friend said I wouldn’t grow taller anymore. I hope I do.

_{I attempted a modelling shoot 📸}

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In addition to these, I love reading, watching movies, and listening to music.

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The Hive Experience

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Why Hive? Why You??

Many people find it hard to believe that I’m originally introverted because I feel exuberant about public speaking. I hardly spoke. My preferred means of communication was through writing.

_{Other delegates and I at the Lagos Secondary Schools Model United Nations (LASSMUN), 2021 🎤}

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Let me blow your mind! I became the Social Prefect in high school. An introvert! Imagine that!! I’d also share this experience subsequently on this platform, Hive.

As I stated in the first paragraph of this post, I seldom miss opportunities to write. Interestingly, the Hive community has a lot more to offer.

I joined this community to share my stories and perspectives and see what others say. Moreover, I’d make connections and impact lives in the world. I can’t wait to meet you and read your content.

We make up Hive, you and I. Together we can grow.

Do I have Goals to Achieve on Hive?

To some degree, this may seem similar to the ‘Why Hive’ subtopic. But it is different.

_{I was reading at a restaurant 🤦‍♂}

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I came on Hive for a purpose, which I stated earlier. Now I want to speak about what my written pieces would offer. I love fiction. I can sit for hours writing fictional stories. I hope to share these stories with you too.

My focus would be on Fiction, Lifestyle, and Reality. I have always wanted to share personal experiences on a platform where I can be frank. Sometimes, we make avoidable mistakes because we never had prior knowledge: I believe sharing my experiences may save lives.

In 3-6 months, I want to boast that I have changed the world through the voice and opportunity Hive would give me. Again, I can’t do it without you.

How did I come on Hive?

_{This image was for my birthday- 14th May, 2022 🎉}

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My Hive journey started before this post. I was introduced to an administrator of the @hive-bootcamp by my friend, @lizizoo, who vouched that they rendered a tremendously explanatory service of getting anyone ready for the Hive journey.

Gladly, I can now say the same! Sincerely, I was impressed!!

For six days, the moderators—@starstrings01, @Olujay, and @monioluwa inculcated into me and other participants basic and advanced knowledge to grow on Hive. It was so explanatory that my jotter got filled up.

I learned about numerous Hive terminologies, dos, and don’ts, communities, making unique content, setting up an account, 3Speak, etc. It was a priceless experience.

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The Summary and Conclusion

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I was intrigued and curious about how the Hive community operates after learning about it. Kudos to @hive-bootcamp once again.

In conclusion, I am happy to be here. I envisage greatness and cannot wait to meet you; I also look forward to learning more from you.
I’d appreciate a tip or two from your experience on Hive. Please feel free to share. Thank you for reading.

If you care to check out my friendship blog=> Gates Hub Blog

_{Image of my exciting blog- (Gates Hub Blog)😍 (made with canva)}

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A Glimpse of Family, Friends, and I

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