WHO AM I?

Hi, and welcome to my safe space. I'm Kyna Mari S. Palban. That's Mari without an e, and Kyna is pronounced with a soft "y" pronunciation and not as "Kinna". Everyone calls me by my first name, "Kyna" but those closest to me call me by "Ky" _{with a I pronunciation} or "Kyn".

Born on October 8, 2007, to two loving parents, I devoted myself to my studies to become someone in the medicine and science field. _{Or maybe a future mystery writer... I am still undecided about that. But My heart still lies in helping people and taking care of them.}

• ^{I'm the craziest person you'll ever meet( if we get close, that is)}

• ^{I was diagnosed as a dyslexic when I was a child.}

• ^{I am undecided between becoming a forensic in criminology, a doctor, or a writer. If I were given a chance to take all of them at once, I would take the chance and follow it.}

_{Some secrets are best hidden behind the walls.}

Science has not yet taught us if madness is or is not the sublimity of the intelligence.

-Edgar Allan Poe

Reading

I love reading books! My favorite genres are Mysteries and Romance. But I love to explore different genres other than horror. That's a BIG NO in my book. Currently, I'm reading a political fantasy book inspired by the Game of Thrones and a book recommended to me by the book club.

A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies . . . The man who never reads lives only one.

-George R.R. Martin

In high school, I became more active in academics.

I ran for class officers and got voted for class vice president in 9th grade and class president in 10th grade. I tried running for SSG in our school but lost with only 1 vote from my competitor in the election. Nevertheless, my experiences built me into what I am today, and I enjoyed my high school years till it last.

^{🎶What doesn't kill you makes you stronger. Stand a little taller🎶}

^{I remember my mother being proud of me for getting such an award despite the hardships of online learning back then. I guess you can say it was fulfilling and inspiring.}

_{The more you climb higher, the more you start doubting about yourself and your capabilities}

_{It was our first time going to Baguio together. But I was jealous because they had fun traveling to popular tourist spots while I had my program.}

_{My proudest achievement then.}

^{I had plans for running for SSG, but God seems have other plans for me.}

_{I'm still in shock to see I got one before}

_{Yes, it looks like a Girls Scout program, but we used to have a different name for it, and it's mixed for both genders alike.}

_{It has been an honor to walk with you all on this journey, but it is time for us to seek new paths for ourselves as we carry with us the memories we created during our high school years}

_{Hard work pays off when you believe in it.}

Daydreaming or Writing stories

Another thing that I like is Daydreaming stories. Usually, it is about murder mysteries and fantasy stories inspired by the Mindanao culture, specifically the story about the 11 tribes in Davao and how they came to be. I did try to write my stories before, but because of school work and no clear space for them, it was left deep in my mind and never touched for years. I might return to try writing again if I find a proper time to fit it in.

Watching Tv series

Sometimes, the best way to get inspiration for your stories is through movies or TV shows. I LOVE watching TV series, especially crime dramas. Growing up, movies and TV shows were a big part of my childhood and what made me today. I used to remember when I once asked my parents to buy me and my brother a CD just because a popular movie was there. The joy and anticipation I felt back was so reminiscing. Ahh...how I love going back to those good old days

Listening to music/ podcast

What better way to relax than to listen to some music? One of my favorite pastimes is listening to music. Sometimes, I listen to true crime podcasts if I'm looking for the sweet inspiration adrenaline, but I always find myself back to listening to music. I often listen to music when studying, doing household chores, and Karaoke in my room.

My favorite artists are Taylor Swift and Laufey. Their soothing music and creative lyrics are what stand out to me the most, especially Taylor Swift. Her songs have hidden meanings and are poetic, which is one of the things I like about her. Laufey, on the other hand, combines classical and jazz music, which creates a soft and lively feel in her music, which I like about her. Both artists are also book lovers which adds a bonus point to why I love them

_{If my mouth is not taped shut, I will keep on rambling about this all-day}

_{I'm adding K-drama here cause why not}

_{one word "ICONIC"}

My Mother

My mother was the biggest inspiration in my life. Despite life's challenges, her stubbornness to never give up and care for us make her my model in life. She is the person you describe as being humble and compassionate at the same time. On days when I felt down and alone in this world, my mother was the first person I went to. When the pandemic hit our household, she was the one who held us all in place and the chains that bonded me and my family together. She was the one who taught me the values and skills that I have today, motivated me to work hard on my studies, and inspired me to work in the medical field. So, if there is someone I want to be grateful for, that would be my mom.

_{My mom was one of the people who also introduced me to the world of arts and literature, and I still thank her to this day.}

_{She was also the reason why I chose Stem-pre sci. Inspired by her job as a dentist who helps others smile, I want to be someone who can help others even in the smallest or biggest ways I can contribute.}

My cats

Fun fact: they are one of the reasons why I survived the first semester.

When I was 14, I wanted to adopt a cat for myself. So, I sought permission from my parents to adopt a black cat. After pleading many times, I finally got their permission and was able to adopt a black cat, which I named Nyx. Nyx is what you would call " Maldita." She hates noisy places and loves hiding in nooks and crannies. She also loves to go outside and explore the surroundings to the point that we shut the door fast when we leave the house, as she has had multiple times of escaping out of sight. Enter Rain, a cat my mother rescued during one rainy afternoon. He is energetic, calm, and very cuddly. He loves to eat so much that he often eats Nyx's portion when Nyx isn't looking. Rain was just a newborn back then when we adopted it. I can still remember that I had a hard time feeding him for he cannot stand in one position while being fed and constantly cry in the evening. Nowadays, he can be seen sleeping in the restroom sink or blocking your way to seek attention. Their cuteness and lovable features are what kept me going despite the challenges in my life.

_{The saying cats are life is really true for cat lovers}

_{WATCH IT, IT'S REALLY GOOOOOOOOD}

One good thing about music, when it hits you, you feel no pain.

- Bob Marley

“Let me live, love, and say it well in good sentences.”
– Sylvia Plath

All the world's a stage, and all the men and women merely players. They have their exits and their entrances; And one man in his time plays many parts.

- William Shakespeare

The state must protect the media. In a democracy, the role of media is very important. In the absence of a credible opposition party, you can rely on the media.

-Rodrigo Duterte

_{Best way to stalk people and know if their single or not}

Google meet is wat I used

Why do I like these media?

I like using these media because they entertain me, help me build relationships with others, and inform me about the latest news and topics. This, in return, helps me as a student to know what problems need to be addressed and be productive in fulfilling my role as a model digital citizen to others. For instance, using YouTube helps me deepen my knowledge of my lessons, such as math, while providing entertainment when I want to take a break from my studies through their YouTube shows. Apps such as Gmail, Messenger, and Google Meet help me stay connected to others and be able to talk to them through text or video call whenever I need to. My social media apps, such as Facebook and Instagram, help me to stay updated with the school's memos, announcements from the government, and opportunities for me to join. I also use Google Docs and Canva when I need to write and create notes and activities related to school or when I need something to write down my ideas. Google Chrome also helps me finish my tasks in Hurtado and watch my favorite shows when I need a stress reliever. Recognizing how these media influenced my life and helped me, media became something that not only can help entertain me but also helped me be aware of the problems and situations happening around me.

How are these media influencing or affecting me? (my lifestyle, aspirations, attitudes, behavior). Is this healthy? If yes, how come? If not, what steps should you take to change it? 

These media significantly impact my life, especially my lifestyle, aspirations, attitude, and behavior. It is what builds me as a person and my views in life. Now that we live in a century where technology is accessible to all, media has undeniably contributed to us from simple tasks to complex and challenging ones. But it does not mean that it's the same for all. On the positive side, media can be a tool for me to be connected to others, help me be educated about skills and knowledge such as life lessons, critical thinking, and analysis that I will need in the future, and as a form of free entertainment when I want to relax and enjoy during my break. But when we look at its negative side, it could serve as a distraction that hinders me from finishing my assignments and tasks on time, disturbs my sleep cycle, which can lead to mood swings and not proper thinking, and self-doubt, which leads me to have some mental illness for long periods. For me, media can be both healthy and unhealthy. It is up to the user how they use it, and it is up to me whether I would use it to improve myself or not. As I acknowledge its adverse side effects on me, I plan to balance my time by creating a timetable I can follow, surrender my phone to my parents when I sleep in order not to be exposed to the blue light it radiates, and not use social media or Youtube from time to time, and do physical activities such as reading and walking outside of the house and visit a therapist to talk about my problems to them to improve my mental health.