SAN JOSE, CALIF.— Jazelle Buentipo, a vibrant Silver Creek High School student, exudes enthusiasm when she shares her passions. Whether discussing her love for K-Dramas, her favorite Video Games, and books, or being surrounded by friends, her unwavering passion is contagious. 

Embarking on a journey of self-discovery often leads us down unexpected paths. For Buentipo, it all began with her newfound fascination with K-Dramas. “I feel like my friends and social media sometimes draw me to this drama since it’s very interesting,” Buentipo reflects. “Like I see a lot of Tik Tok about K-Dramas on my FYP and they interest me.” She adds that her favorite show would have to be “Summer Strike and Moving” among the many shows discovered.

As her interest in K-Dramas flourished, Buentipo found herself exploring the immersive world of video games. “Mostly because I started watching gaming videos and started playing more with friends,” she exclaims. Her favorite game quickly became Stardew Valley. Reflecting on cherished memories, she reminisces, “My favorite memorable gaming experiences would probably be playing horror games with my friends.” These virtual adventures allowed her to dive into a world of imagination and joy, bringing together friends for fun-filled moments.

However, Buentipo’s journey didn’t stop there. Her love for reading, which initially blossomed during her sophomore year, continued to evolve alongside her other interests. The genres that piqued her interest were mainly romance and mystery books. Buentipo finds joy in the anticipation of romance narratives and is captivated by the works of author Ann Liang, whose books and engaging social media presence captivate her. As a child, she despised reading, but over time she started to gradually enjoy the hobby and found herself engrossed in many books.

Juggling her passions alongside school commitments proves to be a challenge for Buentipo. “To be honest, I don’t manage it too well. At the moment, I can’t really watch K-Dramas because of school. I play video games with friends sometimes throughout the day. I try to read more but again school is taking up most of my time,” she remarks. Despite this, she cherishes the moments she gets to share her interests with friends, particularly discussing K-Dramas with a friend who shares her passion.

Buentipo’s diverse interests, whether it’s the captivating world of K-Dramas, the immersive experience of video games, or the enchanting stories found in books, all stem from a blend of influences. While social media and friends play a significant role in shaping her hobbies, her experiences and observations in everyday life also contribute to her multifaceted pursuits. Continuously seeking out new sources of inspiration, she embraces her curiosity and open-mindedness, ultimately shaping her into a dynamic and engaging individual.