INTRODUCTION
The feeling I'm having today (as a newbie on the hive community), strongly reminds me of my first day in the university. I remember vividly, how overwhelmed I was, by the sight of so many lonely people in crowded rooms and countless number of faces, with no names.
Then, we'd always see one person or another, coming to persuade us to patronize whatever it is they sold. All that our naive brains needed then, was a persuasive proposal and we'd empty our pockets just to get (what we thought of as) a means to our goals (which at the time, was good grades and probably a first class result).
At that point, it was so easy for us to be misled, cos we all jumped at everything that looks like an opportunity.
I call it the Newbie Naivety Syndrome. [Laughs]
Well, nothing surpasses adequate guidance when you're a newbie: someone with experience, who can and is willing to tell you friends to make, go for this, avoid that, and will always put you through when certain challenges arise. For me, the hive-boot camp cohort 3 has been that guide that has led me here.
Before further ado, I'm Alfred 
WHO IS ALFRED ()?
I am a Nigerian male, from the western parts of the country (the yoruba tribe to be precise). Currently, I'm a student of Mechanical Engineering at the University of Lagos, and a graduate of Mechanical engineering at Yaba College of technology. I basically speak only English and my native language (Yorùbá), though I have very little understanding of French (I spent some time learning it before I quit).
I am a well trained craftsman. I've gained proficient skills in making talking-drums, congas, djembes, rattles, bata drum, omele drums and many other percussion instruments.
My Crafts
With a little touch of innovation, I scaled down the size of these instruments, to make pendants and basic accessories (for design) in the shape of these percussion instruments.
Pendants made by me
I love, and do music; playing all kinds of percussion is my niche. (Well, don't be too surprised if you see me playing the piano or guitar as well.)
Aside music and crafts, I love to write. Writing has always been the most effective means of expressing myself, since I grew up as a pretty shy and introverted kid. Over time, I got to improve my writing skills via exposure to a lot of readable materials (I can't help but read).
In short, you wouldn't be wrong to say I suffer from an addiction to anything artsy-crafty (despite being a prospective engineer, professionally); and this has really helped in expanding my horizon of knowledge, covering almost any subject matter.
Now, you know I'm always drawn to reading stuff, don't be too surprised to always see me in your comment sections.[smiles]
…and it's not a threat btw.[smiles]
WHY AM I ON HIVE?
Prior to these times, I've always had a mobile notepad and a hardcopy journal, where I put down all of my contemplations, things I learn from my reading experience, and many other random stuff that needs to be written. But lately, I decided to take it a little step further; that's majorly why I joined the hive blockchain: a platform where I can share my ideas, get other opinions, learn about people's ideas and share my opinion too.
On the side, I would also like to share content of my music creations and craft work (that makes my ig page) for people to enjoy, appreciate and benefit from as well.
Simply put, I've come to realize, that the richness of life is in the creation and utilization of quality network, where creative ideas can flow. This is my main goal, joining this network.
HOW I GOT TO KNOW ABOUT HIVE
With sincere gratitude, I'm proud to say, I was introduced to the existence of hive (as a network) by my very own dear brother (
MY BOOTCAMP EXPERIENCE
Through the second week of October 2022, 
The training covered the following details, daily for six days:
• Day 1: Introduction to Hive.
• Day 2: Knowing your niche and finding the right communities.
• Day 3: Hive's Stance on Plagiarism.
• Day 4: Setting up your Hive Account.
• Day 5: Learning how to format your Post using Markdowns.
• Day 6: Exploring 3Speak.
At the end of the training, they had our accounts created, as we are now ready and prepared for the hive world that awaits us.
The bootcamp team
Just so you know, the bootcamp was a splendid experience. And, I really commend the trainers, as they tirelessly put in so much effort to train and onboard as many hivers as are willing. I also commend their effort in making each bootcamp cohort better than the previous. This continuous pursuit of improvement assures me that in a very short time from now, the hive-bootcamp is going to be extremely effective in raising the best set of hivers.
All that been said, I'm so glad and excited to be a part of this network (I trust you're happy to have me too). I'm assuring that you can expect super-amazing content from me. I'd love to see y'all in the comment sections frequently.
Or maybe we can start right now; ask me if there's anything else you'd like me to share about myself. [Chuckles]
Till next time,
Stay Creative; Stay Percussive.
Alfred.