I loved playing The Sims games.

Hours of joy were found in placing my Sims into awkward situations, outfitting their homes in the finest décor simoleons (money) could buy, and my favourite — creating characters and choosing their personalities and aspirations.

And whenever my computer crashed, and I was forced reinstall the game and recreate 'Erin the Sim', I would always choose the same aspiration for my digital persona: Knowledge. The quest to constantly expand my thinking had followed me from the real world and into the land of pixels.

Although it’s been years since I’ve played the game, I remember the thrill of teaching my character new skills. This excitement continues to be found in my actual life. My appreciation for continuous learning is a major factor in my interest in market research and brand strategy. It’s also why I write. I enjoy taking my thoughts, which are shaped by things I’ve learned, and arranging them into words.

I guess art (or tech) really does imitate life.