Pokemon to me means having something in common with both friends and family and also people I've

never met. To me, Pokemon has always been about the people around me. Whenever I was a little

kid and just excited chattering about rumors on the playground or as an adult talking about it

with my friends, it's just been a really strong community bond in a world that I think I wish I lived in sometimes.

Sometimes.

To me, Pokemon is just a wonderful escape, something I can share with some of my best friends

across the globe and one of my favorite brain exercises to do.

To me, Pokemon has always been a pleasant piece of escapism where no matter what is

going on in my life, I can boot it up and get lost in a new adventure with new Pokemon to

capture and train. Now, with a whole community of new friends to discuss battle and trade,

Pokemon remains one of my favorite pastimes, and I have continued anticipation for the many

new adventures yet to come.

I remember opening Pokemon Blue on Christmas Eve with the Game Boy Color, figuring out the

Braille puzzles and Pokemon Sapphire with my friends over the summer, doing Battle Subway

runs and musicals with my friends in college and just learning competitive since Gen 6.

It's been a fun time.

Pokemon to me means friends and family.

A lot of my really close friends I met through our shared love of Pokemon growing up.

To me, Pokemon means you are never too old to have fun, play games, enjoy the things

you're passionate about, and make new friends.

What does Pokemon mean to me?

Friendship.

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