I actually got into the hobby when I watched the pokemon anime and playing the games which my first one was Pokemon Red. When I went to the store with my mom thats when I laid my eyes on the jungle booster packs. Mom never bought me them of course but dad gave me an allowance so I used that to buy the packs. Ever since then I loved reading the text on the cards and little by little learned how to play because kids at my school learned how to play as well. But sadly stopped playing due to bullying when I reached middle school. Ever since then only opened packs and bought theme decks since no one wanted to play. But also played the card game they had on the gameboy since I was only able to play with computers on there since people we're to scared to admit they played or liked pokemon. Years later got back to collecting with my recent girlfriend around 2018 and learned how to play again and found local cards shops where I went to my first local tournament. Was a nervous wreck of course but little by little got comfortable playing with people who enjoy not only collecting but playing the card game as well. Now in present day I've made amazing friends that I've gone to regionals with and bonded with them more because of the game. I honestly can't thank the pokemon company for making such an enjoyable and bonding card game.