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.
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.
