While I have spent years believing that connections happen in an instant, I have grown to understand that some connections take time to nurture, but they can be the strongest.
Over the past two months during Elysium, I have experienced both - and it's been nothing short of a journey that's taught me lessons for life.
I came in without any expectations and just started participating - in events, in social media, and in supporting my team and beyond. However, what I found here was much more profound.
What I didn't expect was the depth of connections I would make along the way. While some connections were instant, and even pre-existing, some took their sweet time to turn into pillars of trust.
Who knew, that in Team Emerald, I would find friends who make you laugh, mentors who push and guide you to explore your potential, and even shoulders that lend you a listening ear when needed?
In my opinion, it's easy to underestimate how much people shape our journeys. Yes, events and points matter, but the bonds that we've built along the way are what will stay with us the longest.
These past two months, for me, haven't been about winning or losing, they have been about trust, support, and the joy of knowing that you aren't walking alone.
As Elysium comes to an end, I stand grateful for the connections that I have built, the friends I have made, and the mentors I have gained. And that, more than anything, feels like the true win of this competition. That, is the true state of perfect happiness... aka... Elysium!