When we think of the stock market, we think of long strips of numbers, Wall Street, and dollar signs.

In reality, the stock market is interwoven with the needs and trends of everyday society: Pixar versus Dreamworks, Chipotle versus Baja Fresh, the latest clothing fashion, or even grocery store rushes before the first winter snowstorm.

It is those adept at predicting these patterns in consumer society who do well playing the stock market—such as junior Harrison Peek, who follows, buys, and sells video game stock.

“I choose something I’d be interested in following, like game stock, obviously because I like video games,” said Peek.

Peek has been playing the stock market for almost two years, ever since he was introduced to it in a simulated stock market assignment in his business class.

“From there I started to enjoy it, and I came up with a deal with my father so I could actually take part in it,” said Peek.

When he first began following stocks, Peek’s grandfather (who already had investments) lent him money to start with. Now both his father and grandfather loan him money, and Peek keeps the profit from his investing. Peek deals with small amounts of money, so it is more of a hobby than a major risk.

“If I invested a lot of money, maybe it would be stressful, but I do it for enjoyment and practice,” said Peek.

He uses information from web sites or press releases to find out if a video game is going to be popular or not. Then he will buy stock around a month before the game comes out.

Sometimes he branches out into different types of stocks, but he always has to predict when would be the best time to buy stock to make money. For example, he bought Costco stocks before the winter snow, when people historically stock up on food.

“It does give you a good idea of how people are spending and how they feel about their money,” said Peek.

Peek plans to use his experience in managing money and dealing with business in his future career, business loan and management. It has taught him how to budget, save, and watch the economy.

“Even if it’s not part of my job, I will continue doing stocks,” said Peek.