Back in 2013, my friend Jake and I stumbled upon Bitcoin while browsing an obscure tech forum. Intrigued by the concept of decentralized currency, we decided to invest a modest $100 each, buying Bitcoin at around $120 per coin. Fast forward to 2017, Bitcoin's value skyrocketed to nearly $20,000. Jake, ever the prudent one, cashed out and paid off his student loans. I, on the other hand, held onto my coins, riding the roller coaster of highs and lows. Today, my portfolio is a mix of Bitcoin, Ethereum, and a few other altcoins. While I haven't hit it big like Jake, the journey has taught me invaluable lessons about risk, patience, and the unpredictable nature of the digital frontier.