The story of my development on the blog on the Steemit platform.

@mahadisalim🙏🙏 much gratitude towards putting up a contest of this nature. So, folks like myself can share my emotions, feelings, and development stories related to blogging on Steemit platform as a newcomer.

It was early February 2025. I remember that day clearly because I had just finished writing my final exam paper at the University of Uyo. The air felt light, but my heart felt unsure. I was done with school for the day, almost done entirely, and a question lingered in my heart: “What next?”

After that paper, I met someone who would unknowingly change the direction of my life - @edu-chemist. We were both in the New Business Lecture Hall. I had mentioned to him, almost casually, how much I wished I had something to keep me busy now that exams were almost over. I wasn’t expecting anything big. I just wanted to stay engaged to do something meaningful.

He smiled and, in his calm way, began telling me about a platform called Steemit. Not in a rush. Not with pressure. Just a simple, honest conversation that turned into an eye-opening overview of how people write, share, connect, and even earn through blogging.

Then, he took out his phone, logged into the platform, and showed me what it really looked like, not just talk, but proof. That was the moment it started to feel real. He opened an account for me right there but told me to come see him later. He said he wanted me to meet some others who could help guide me better. I didn’t know what he meant then, but I understand now — he was giving me more than access, he was connecting me to a community.

Later that evening, I met @basil20. He had come for night class reading, yet when @edu-chemist introduced me, he didn’t hesitate. He welcomed me like a brother. He paused his studies and spent hours teaching me about Steemit on how it works, how to grow, how to stay consistent. I was honestly surprised by how accommodating and kind they were to me.

They helped me set up everything, steem were delegated to help me start strong. All that is something I’ll never forget. The acts of kindness wasn’t just words but action. That moment wasn’t just the beginning of my blogging journey, it was the start of something much deeper.

There are names that echo in my heart with nothing but gratitude. This platform may be digital, but the people who’ve walked this path with me have made it feel more human than anything else.

To @edu-chemist thank you. You didn’t just introduce me to Steemit; you gave me a mindset. You showed me how consistency is not just about writing every day but writing with purpose and creativity. You made me believe that my words could carry value.

To @basil20 what you did for me in those early hours of night class will always stay with me. You didn’t have to pause your reading. You didn’t have to teach me patiently. But you did. And you continue to do more, even now, you always updating me, guiding me, making sure I’m learning the right way.

To @bossj23 though we’ve never met in person, but it often feels like we’ve known each other for years. You go out of your way to check on my posts, offer corrections, give honest feedback. You’ve burned nights just to teach me how to properly reference images using Pexels, Pixabay, and Canva. You’ve been a quiet backbone behind my growth. I’ve learned so much from you, more than words can express.

If you ask me about the blog that taught me the most... this will has to be my experience with Steem-Atlas.

It started with a simple intention: I wanted to map and review Okopedi Market. I was excited, ready to contribute. But I made a mistake as I didn’t read the guidelines properly. I rushed. I was eager, but I wasn’t prepared.

1: 10 Important Steps Before Using Steem Atlas (link below)👇
https://steemit.com/hive-167213/@miftahulrizky/10-important-steps-before-using-steem-atlas

2: STEEM ATLAS: Curation Guidelines for March 2025 (link below)👇
https://steemit.com/hive-166405/@pennsif/steem-atlas-curation-guidelines-for-march-2025

At first, I was embarrassed. But then, I realized that this was a gift as well a chance to learn. I read both guidelines carefully, and everything started to make more sense. I understood what was expected, what quality meant on Steemit, and how structure and clarity matter when telling a story about a real location.

I edited the post, fixed the issues, and re-submitted. This time, not only was the blog accepted, but I was also rewarded with Steem and not just in currency, but in confidence.

That one experience taught me that reading, patience, and attention to detail are just as important as passion. Since then, I never approach any project without reading the full instructions first. That blog wasn’t just a post rather, it was a turning point.

As someone who was introduced to this platform not too long ago, I can tell you this with all honesty that writing on Steemit is a journey, not a race.

.Don’t just write. Feel:

People connect with emotions. Let your words carry your heart. Don’t be afraid to share real experiences, struggles or joy. That’s what makes a post memorable.

.Read before you write:

Whether it’s contest guidelines, project rules, or community expectations just always read first. It saves you time, avoids mistakes, and earns you respect.

Learn formatting.

Use headings, paragraphs, bold text, and image credits properly. A well arranged and structured post is easier to get reader's attention to read and even looks more professional.

.Use free image sources:

Like Pexels, Pixabay, or Canva but always reference them correctly. And avoid google images as most of them are not license.
I learned this from @bossj23 who took the time to teach me even when I didn’t understand at first.

.Engage with others:

Comment meaningfully on other posts. Support newcomers. Build real connections. This is how you grow a network, not just followers.

.Stay consistent, but don’t lose quality:

If you can write daily, that’s great but even if you write twice a week, make it good. Don’t just write to fill space. Write to leave an impression.

.Ask questions and be teachable:

Some of the most helpful people on Steemit are just waiting to see that you’re serious. When they know you want to grow, they’ll show up for you.

I invite on the following esteem steemians to participate in this contest