If you were to look at the definition of the word "nerd" you'd probably find something along the lines of someone known to be socially awkward, yet academically excellent in a certain subject. You may even find as blunt as a definition as "a stupid, irritating, ineffectual, or unattractive person," stated by dictionary.com.
Why is it that words like "nerd" or "geek," are automatically associated with negative connotation? The things that these "nerds" and "geeks" excel in are frowned upon, but why? Since when does being able to name every country in the continent of Africa, or every element on the periodic table make you lame? If anything, having that type of knowledge is far from lame especially to those who have plans to become geologist who discover alternatives to resources used in our economy, or those who are striving towards a chemistry degree to assist fellow scientists in providing the beloved technology craved by the people each day.
People look at these "nerds" and "geeks" and see them for their present, but what about their future? These same people will be the creators of the jet packs and hover boards that we will see become a reality. They will be the pharmacists providing the cures for cancer, lupus, Alzheimer's, and the many more illnesses that affect us as a population today. They will be the lawyers defending your "top-of-the-line" business that's been dragged into slander and prosecuting those who deserve to be put off of (and stay off of) the street for your safety. They'll be the doctors assisting you in the precious miracle of bringing life into the world. Many fail to realize that the majority of the time these"nerds" are people who are getting their education to benefit you.
How do I know? I'm one of these nerds; always have been, always will be. Throughout school I collected comic books, owned a Rubiks cube, and studied as a hobby. Was I looked down upon for it? Yes, of course, but only by the people who didn't matter. Don't get me wrong, it took me a while to learn that. I was captain of the cheer squad, played varsity soccer, did JROTC, and volunteered any chance I got, but that was never enough to erase my "nerdy image" for some people. I wasn't "brace-faced" and "four-eyed" 24/7 (well, not until much later), but that didn't stop people from looking down on me. My parents were told I'd never "survive" in a public school, I'd have a hard time making friends, and that I'd never "come out of my shell." Little do these people know I graduated from a public school of about roughly 3,000 people, I've made several friends and still keep in touch with a few of them to this day, and there have been many, many accomplishments I achieved, both athletically and academically, that (go figure) involved other people.
Yes, there have been times where I've slacked off. In fact, my sophomore year that I just completed is a perfect example. There were times I worked hard and times that I didn't. There were times I knew I needed to work hard, but still didn't. I set myself up for failure. I mean, not literally. I still passed, but not the way I wanted. And that's what's so funny about this nerd life I've been living (or in some eyes, given). People think I'm an overachiever and that when I cry about low Bs or Cs on an exam that I'm pathetic, or even spoiled. What they don't know is that I've been trained to expect excellence from myself. This is why I enjoy editing papers in my spare time, this is why I almost had an anxiety attack when I saw my GPA lower before my eyes, this is why I purposefully came home this summer to re-evaluate my studying strategies and my analyzing techniques.
This is why I'm me. I am an individual who likes the fact that my glasses make me "look smarter," but knows that I have them because they help me see clearer. I am someone who loves watching "Brain Games" on the National Geographic channel and has no problem staying up all night doing so. I am someone who knows what she is capable of, despite what others say. I know that my goal is excellence so that whatever I put my hand to that involves helping others, I'll be able to do so to the best of my ability and never doubt who I am, or why I do what I do.
I absolutely love learning and I don't think anything will ever change. If being this way is what causes me to be labeled with a name so derogatory and demeaning to those who put their best foot forward, set their priorities straight, and want to educate themselves to the best of their ability, I recommend you find another word...I suggest scholar.
