*Power of Association* Dear Journal, Today, I found myself reflecting on how much the people we surround ourselves with shape who we become. Looking back at my childhood, my siblings and I were a handful. We were the kind of kids who took full advantage of any opportunity to have fun—sneaking out to play the moment our parents left, only to sneak back in like nothing happened when they returned. Even simple errands turned into comedy skits because we always found a way to act mischievous. But two major events changed everything: boarding school and relocation. Boarding school was the first wake-up call. It was no longer just about what I wanted; there were rules, structure, and people from different backgrounds. I had to learn discipline, teamwork, and the power of making the right friends—because in that environment, the people you associated with determined whether you thrived or struggled. Then came relocation. New surroundings meant new influences, and I quickly saw firsthand how environment shapes behavior. It reminds me of the wisdom in Proverbs: “Iron sharpens iron, and a companion of fools shall be destroyed.” It’s not just a moral lesson; it’s a life strategy. You don’t rise above your circle—you rise with it. Speaking of influences, let’s talk about D. Somehow, this human managed to take me from being an early bird—someone who loved the peace and quiet of the morning—to becoming a full-blown night owl. I used to believe that the best things in life happened before sunrise, but D had other plans. Looking back, I see how much my associations have shaped me. The right people will challenge, refine, and push you to become better, just as the wrong ones can slowly derail you. The key? Choose wisely. Because at the end of the day, we don’t just pick friends—we pick the kind of future we’re walking into. Love, _Aby💕_