Hi there!  I’m Anna Marquez or you can call me @zafiroazul1. I use this simply because it is my birthstone – blue sapphire.  I decided to join hive because I love to read, learn, and share about my ideas, experiences, adventures, and dreams.  I wanted to get inspired by different cultures and stories, and I wanted to inspire other people as well.  I will share a bit about myself through this intro post.




![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/zafiroazul1/23vsXD5ryFDHB5VLAK17rAGNwauc7o8MFzXg5JFCCydaAb8F7tRVL3M8h1kXoDfee97LD.jpg)


**About Me**

I am an introvert, and this online space serves as an open book to unveil my stories, hidden interests, adventures, talents, and experiences that I can’t show to others personally. It is where I can show the real me. Despite my shy personality, I am currently working as a college instructor at a university.  By the way, I was a unit earner.  I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, and took up some units for Professional Education to pursue my teaching profession. Moreover, I earned my master’s degree in Business Administration last February this year.  


![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/zafiroazul1/Eq9XfPMkSiacu4BR4e874o67moQdkWUgStRnxZRDkzNRbJeynwqZXDYAbJmwTaKmoRk.png)

Honestly, when I was young, teaching was never my choice. It’s my mom’s dream for me.  I never dreamed of teaching young learners.  But when I got married and got stuck in my house raising my two children, I realized that I wanted to share my ideas and experiences, and  I’m hungry for learning as well. I felt that there’s something lacking in me.  And so, I decided to be an educator.

![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/zafiroazul1/241tosB7pEQEbu38XoAp1Wr2Cyn4bovS7USwXubJ52mTzb7kTe4taeFDCrqUJ9eTX4vDv.png)

I just wanted to share, apart from being a college instructor, I have been a part-time ESL teacher for three years.  I can’t even imagine that in spite being shy, I managed to be an ESL teacher.  Well, at first, I doubt that I can be a good at it, because I can’t do “childlike” acts.  So, I have trained so hard,  to be able to ‘teach’ , ‘play’ , and effectively ‘engage’ with my foreign students.  I was so happy that I made it. 



![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/zafiroazul1/23wqvtt8AfteyKhP5MU96KfsseU3hw945amFhY2dPwZi2ecqRFaZxSxFWsZsut4cuc9nD.jpg)


  


And it’s really fun.  I was able to bring out the child in me.  I enjoyed being a ‘child’, every time I was with my students.  As I was teaching them, I was learning a lot, too.
  

![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/zafiroazul1/23u6FThwLsRAY7D3dAsVwchbmvgBMiTgwPwB7qPNJWauWZZVShGGqtSrpb4CMmUjtMxvb.jpg)



But,for some reasons I have to leave my ESL job.  It is very sad to stop, because I love my students, and I love my job. But, it’s out of my control.  So, I just focus on a mature role -  being a college instructor.


![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/zafiroazul1/23zbcX2aZLkhat5A69pfj8MmEgadrhz8XJGHtvTarta3ffQ2oDL743fRk1gTbbcuMXHN7.png)

**My Childhood**

About my childhood, I have two brothers, I am the middle child and the only girl. I’ve been my family’s only princess, who is favored all the time.  My parents raised us in a simple life, and healthy living.  They taught us to manage our resources practically, and wisely. And to be frugal, which Ilocanos are known for.😉  Well, I am proud to be an Ilocano.🤓 

I am so grateful that I have learned to be practical and thrifty at an early age, because I learned to be independent, methodical,  and resourceful.  These values shaped me and serve as a tool to improve myself further. 


![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/zafiroazul1/23wWy6ieMWaZvSSibogDVDN51gQBnZ5ZZCLvBotGU6SNR3x4GNPL9ktr2mme3UKp1Ch3z.png)

My parents led us to be active members of the church.   Until I got married and had my own children, we all go to church every Thursday and Sunday.  Meanwhile,  I  am serving as a choir organist in our church. 


![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/zafiroazul1/23yTauaw6ts2jsSnpsRw7v83mtR2eyiqt2uaGmkG32oCvvax8s4LDhhwnfFcxM9ZkPE28.png)

**My Struggles as an Introvert**

Being an introvert is not easy.  Nobody chooses to be like one.  Nobody wants to be unfavored or disliked.  Nobody wants to feel discriminated and excluded from the group.  Many believe that when a person is silent, he ‘knows nothing’.  That,he doesn’t understand what is going on with his surroundings.  But, for me, as an introvert, it is just a moment for ‘observation’, and ‘planning’.


![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/zafiroazul1/23xpFD9b1YV6wRBNB8aRYziSnToDR319AT3mAoV4BSdF4Tpov17sXezFt7gJgkDLyYCYT.png)


When I was young, I was bullied due to my weak personality.  Aside from being petite, I was so timid.  But, despite bullying, I kept my optimism.  In fact, I’ve been an achiever -- a consistent honor student since my primary years.  I never let others put me down and stop me reaching my dreams.  I believe that there is something special in me behind my imperfections. That if someone doesn't like me, it's okay since I can't  please everyone.  So, I firmly faced my weaknesses and  ignored all distractions.  I just focus on my strengths,  capabilities, and potential.

However, I never compared myself to others because I know that there are always 'greater and lesser persons than ourselves' – this is a famous line from the poem ‘Desiderata’.  I don’t want to feel miserable because of being imperfect.  I don’t want to feel proud because of my achievements.  I just want to live peacefully, and happily with my loved ones.  They, who supported me from my ups and downs.  My family, who will accept me no matter what.  

Also, I am so thankful that there is a platform like this where an introvert like me can loudly express my hidden emotions.

**My Stress Reliever**

One of my passions is traveling.   It is my way to recharge from my tiring and stressful routine.   Besides, I love to discover new things, new places, try different foods, meet different kinds of people, and learn different cultures. I want to explore the world outside of my comfort zone.  And through this opportunity, I could share my adventures to all of you.  I want to share the beauty of my place, and the places that I will explore.  I can’t wait to share my adventures with you.

![image.png](https://files.peakd.com/file/peakd-hive/zafiroazul1/23xyLhAm7zRovpmYPZzkM1c2iNT3tVwUxyb2zyEG8XdFSr2gpgA6XjszLxZEGeUr8JHzP.png)

Another thing that relieves my stress is music.   I love listening to love songs, ballad, reggae, and Christian songs.  I love to sing as well.  It is my way to open my heart, other than writing. 



Lastly, one thing that makes me feel happy is food.  I love to cook,  eat, and try different recipes.  Next time I will be sharing some of my favorite recipes with you guys.


**The Reason Why I Joined Hive**

Before I end this intro post, I want to share how I have been here.  I have learned about this platform through @antonette.  While I was browsing my Facebook newsfeed, I met her.  She onboarded me.  A big thanks to her.  It opened another great opportunity to express myself freely, engage effectively, share my stories, learn and meet different communities. 

I do understand that using AI in posting is strictly prohibited.  Also, engaging within the community is very much important.  All my posts are from my own ideas, knowledge, journey, and experiences.  Moreover, the  photos are mine and are enhanced through the help of Canva. 

Thank you for reading my post. I would love to make friends with you.  Feel free to connect with me and drop a comment, or upvote if you like this post. Stay tuned for what I have in store for you. 

Regards,
@zafiroazul1