Today is the three-year anniversary of my very first trip to PAX East. My first ever time at a Penny Arcade convention.
Penny Arcade Expo, for those of you unfamiliar, is a 3-4 day long video game festival that take place across 4 different locations, 3 in the US, and 1 in Australia.
Through these conventions, I've made so, so many friends. My life would not be what it is now without PAX.
As you may recall from my last post, I first went to PAX in 2013 after a rough schooling experience that led to my being homeschooled. At that first weekend, I knew I had found something special. PAX wasn't just for video games, it was for the people, whose amounts of sheer passion and kindness were rivaled by none. These people quickly became the dominant reason for visiting these conventions.
My initial motivation for going to PAX, was to meet some of my YouTube idols, namely Chuggaaconroy and NintendoCapriSun. I was very young when I first attended PAX, but 3 years later I have a close circle of PAX friends who I look forward to seeing in those three days a year.
Within PAX, is the PAX Pokemon League, whom, again, you may remember from my last post. After challenging them in 2015, my circle of PAX friends finally took a more defined shape. PAX is for all video games, and I don't play ALL video games, but suddenly, through PPL's forums, I had upwards of 60 friends who all shared that same interest in Pokemon.
Now, my main motivation to go to these conventions stems from the people and the PPL. I love playing for the league and getting to roam the convention and see what it has to offer every year. The people I met at PAX shaped my life in so many ways. I've had people that helped with homework, who'd advise me on various life experiences, as most of my PAX friends can be upwards of 10 years older than I am - it doesn't matter though! The beauty of PAX is that you're valued as an individual no matter your age or appearance!
And now, the next PAX is a mere 30 days away.
Soon I'll see all my friends again, and get to truly embrace those magical three days.
Until then, I'd like to thank the Penny Arcade Expo, for giving me such an incredible second family, and my parents for facilitating these trips. My life has been made so much more special as a result.
-Audrey G
