When I was 6, I was introduced to the world of Pokémon. I was enthralled in anything and everything to do with the Kanto region, and the characters in this unusual but amazing world. The adventure, the challenges, the bonds you create with your team- it all helped shape me into the person I am today.

Here we are 18 years later, and the fascination is as strong as ever, if not stronger, thanks to the arrival of Pokémon Go, and the future release of Pokémon Sun & Moon, the newest titles to be released for the Nintendo 3DS. There is still so much mystery surrounding Pokémon that it's still able to hold my attention and excite me the same way it did when I was a little girl. I'm not the only one; Pokémon has millions of dedicated players. Many of us have grown up with the series. When we talk about it, we feel something familiar. We feel at home.

But why?

Because we can relate. When you start at the beginning of the game or the television series, you're a 10 year old from humble beginnings with a dream. You work hard to achieve your goals, and you grow as both a trainer and a person. We learn about loyalty, trust and strength, but it's all fueled with just enough magic to maintain our sense of wonder about the incredible world we're experiencing.

That sense of wonder has stayed with me, and always will. I'm thankful for everything I've been taught from this series, and I'm eager to see what else I will discover.