[tjr]

I would suggest, for what you describe, it really doesn't matter that much. If you'd like help deciding from a random stranger on the internet, I'd say go with Python. Your friend knows it, and it anecdotally appears to me that Python is used as a first language in school coursework more than Ruby is.

[tomharari]

Thanks for the reply. I've felt the same, just curious what others would say, especially if anyone here was in my shoes in the past. Appreciate the feedback though.