“Sweet Home” by Oi Kwan Lui is a derivative of “Pavement Between Modern Apartment Buildings” by Volker Thimm, which is licensed under the Pexels free to use – some rights reserved license and originally downloaded on 2/9/26, edited with Canva.
Oi Kwan Lui
Bear Hunt
I snapped this photo while riding the lift up the mountaintop during my 2023 trip to Tennessee. The view below was already stunning, but spotting a bear wandering through the trees made the moment unforgettable.
After cropping the image to the golden ratio, the bear appears slightly larger. I chose not to adjust the colors because every edit made the picture darker, and the bear practically disappeared into the shadows. Keeping the original preserved the clarity and the atmosphere of the scene. The warm fall foliage—deep oranges, golds, and fading greens—creates a beautiful backdrop that captures the crisp, quiet feeling of autumn in the mountains.
There’s something magical about water
By Giuseppe Milo – Imported from 500px (archived version) by the Archive Team. (detail page), CC BY 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=71318816
Erhu sample by irzirgpznj — https://freesound.org/s/477169/ — License: Creative Commons 0
A calm lake or a quiet stretch of ocean has always been my go‑to place to reset, especially on days when life feels a little heavy. The stillness, the soft ripples, the way the light dances on the surface—it all brings a kind of peace I can’t find anywhere else.
Growing up in the city meant being surrounded by noise and motion nonstop, so maybe that’s why nature feels extra special to me. Whenever I’m near water, it’s like the world slows down just enough for me to breathe again.
Lately I’ve been dreaming about visiting beautiful spots like this one in Korea. The photos alone feel like a deep breath. One day, I hope I’ll get to stand there in person—taking in the view, feeling the breeze, and letting the calm sink in. And honestly, I’d love to explore any place in the world that carries this same quiet beauty.
Until then, I’ll keep chasing moments of peace wherever I can find them.
Me or Not Me
My name is Oi Kwan Lui, but you are welcome to call me Shirley. I’m currently in my second year of the Information Science program, continuing to build on my interest in how people access, use, and share information. Before starting this degree, I completed my undergraduate studies in Hospitality Management in Rhode Island, where I also experienced my very first snowfall—and even tried skiing for the first time, which was both unforgettable and a little terrifying in the best way.
I work at the Jacksonville Public Library, a place that has become a meaningful part of my life and career. I first joined the library as a part‑time employee when my daughter was still in elementary school, and over the years, I’ve grown alongside the organization. Now I’m a full‑time employee—and soon to transition into an adult librarian role—which has allowed me to help people find the resources they need and answer questions. One of my favorite parts of the job is participating in outreach events, whether visiting local colleges, senior centers, or other community spaces. These opportunities let me meet people where they are and strengthen the library’s relationship with the broader community.
In my free time, I love exploring food, and I’m always excited to try any kinds of cuisine—whether it’s something familiar or completely new to me. These days, I don’t read as much for leisure because most of my reading time is taken up by school assignments and projects, but I still enjoy the idea of getting back into it when things slow down. I also spend a lot of time listening to music, which helps me relax, and I enjoy unwinding with different dramas. The most recent one on my list is His or Hers, a show that two of my friends recommended to me, so I’m looking forward to seeing what all the excitement is about.
I’m really excited about this class because it gives me the opportunity to learn more about media and explore how different forms of technology shape the way we communicate. I’m looking forward to strengthening my technical skills and gaining hands‑on experience, but I am also hoping to develop a clearer understanding of how media and information systems intersect in real‑world environments.