The Only Difference is the Platform

One of the things I always wished for is that i had been born in the mid 80's. This would enable me to fully grow up within the 90's and live through some of the most prime years. But sadly thats something that can't be changed. I was pretty young through most of my 90's years but old enough to remember a decent portion, the most memorable of which being when i moved schools before i started 2nd grade, in 1999. Luckily making friends was no issue for me, and I adapted nicely. However that is not the point, its what one of those friends gave me that is what will forever shape who i was, and most likely will be. Justin Wang, one of the most important people in my life still today, introduced me to the biggest phenomenon of the 90's, Pokemon. For my birthday in 2nd grade i received Pokemon Red for my old Gameboy. To this day J-wang and i still talk about that gift, and how it led me to one of my favorite hobbies from my childhood all the way to my newly beginning college years. For over 10 years I have continued to play games within this series, as it evolved and advanced I did as well. Now my girlfriend scoffs at the idea of me playing a child's game so late into my life, but some people don't quite understand the following that it truly has. I can admit that it has a bit of a nerdy stigmatism, but the fact I went to such a small high school meant that no one really cared about cliques or what was hip, for the most part everyone was accepting of each other. This is important for the fact that there were many, many kids that openly played the game even into my senior year which was only a few months ago. Come to think of it, about 15% of the kids I graduated with still play the game. So yes, maybe it is a bit of a childish game, but hey, I've played every game since Generation I of Pokemon and I anxiously await the new 5th Generation. There is a Ben Folds song that focuses on the challenges of growing old while putting things of youth behind, but in my opinion if there are things that still make you happy then I fully plan on enjoying them regardless of what others may think. In the end, you only live once, my dad always says it, and I always listen to Larry, have fun while you still can.