Being a Geek

Not me as a child.

Currently reading The Secret Loves of Geek Girls and remembered an ex-friend asking me years after high school, "Were you always like this?" meaning "Were you always a nerd/geek/dork even when I knew you in high school?" And I said, "Yes, I am but-" She said, "You were trying to fit in?" And with inner shame, I said, "Yes. Because-" I let my response drop. I didn't get a chance to clarify that statement as this friend started showing her true colors to the point I could no longer be around her. But I digress...

Not me as a teen.

Yep. Definitely still not me.

Since I work at a college campus as a lab tutor, I have been introducing nerd-related clothing into my wardrobe. I'm middle-age and feel more comfortable with who I am. I really don't care anymore. However, it comes to a point when one realizes that one can no longer go by certain dictates imposed on. Back in grade school, I had to hide what I watched, and in many cases, what I read, what I wrote. In high school, Commercial Art class was the one time I was allowed to draw what I wanted. It's been freeing and also an eye-opener to understand the strictures from society. It has been freeing in what I read, what I write, in what I discuss with others. I'm letting my geek flag fly.

Random Rant That I Have Given Much Thought To

I'm a college lab tutor and so my students are from FOOHS (Fresh out of high school) to their 50s.

Many of my early 20s-30s students tell me how their families harass them for being 'nerdy' and preferring to: read manga/comics, watch anime/cartoons, and even *gasp* dare I say it? Play video games!

My students confide in me and when I hear these laments over and over, I get irate. There are so many temptations in this world.

I asked a student why were her parents so angry at her for staying in on a Friday night? And for staying in to read MANGA!

As a late teens to early thirties, there are so many temptations in this world, so many bad things to be involved in. One can be addicted to drugs, sex, alcohol, or even run away to join a cult! Instead, one's LARPing? Playing D&D, doing podcasting...

And these aren't considered by parents and guardians to be the healthier alternatives!? I'm confused.

I'm one of the guests on a podcast!

Check out @TheCAndCPodcast's Tweet: https://twitter.com/TheCAndCPodcast/status/601104796083474432?s=09