Hello all and I have finally been able to sum up something for you lovely people to read. I have been rather lazy as this is something that I have previously written and not something that I prepared recently. It is also very much similar to a post I made some time ago about the Nerdfighters and this essays title was even inspired by said post. However I do believe this to be a slightly more interesting read. I had planed to post this for a while but it was only when my teacher had checked it that it became definite. This Reflective Essay serves as another part of my coursework for English that makes up a certain percentage of my overall exam mark.
My exams are still going on at the moment and they have caused me a considerable amount of stress on the day but to my great surprise I have been generally feeling calm about it all and I do hope this continues. I know I did say I would unlikely post anything until after the exams but I found this oppurtuity and was determined to pursue it. I would advise you to read this article first before you read my other article about Gun Control in America as it is far more serious and may not be a topic some of you enjoy hearing/reading about. Anyway, I do hope you enjoy my essay and that any of you sitting exams at the moment are seeing good results.
Nerdfighter Forever
In a world where Nerds are not fully accepted, I have often felt like a stowaway in an unfamiliar place. Simply expressing a different view or behaving differently to that of a stereotypical guy, suddenly became the opportunity for ridicule. However, my sense of isolation came to its conclusion when in the February of 2013, I was introduced to a group known as “Nerdfighters.” Do not be fooled, from the title you may have come to the assumption that this is a group that “fights Nerds.” It is in fact quite the opposite. The group itself was formed by author John Green and his brother Hank Green (A.K.A Vlogbrothers). The purpose of Nerdfighters, is so that Nerds can gather together and share in their obsession over TV programmes, books, cakes and so on. Another concept of the group is to “increase awesome” and “decrease world suck.” In other words, to make the world a little bit better. It is also the belief of the group, that any member is not made of organs or cells, but are made of awesome, that being awesome is a part of their biology.
My exams are still going on at the moment and they have caused me a considerable amount of stress on the day but to my great surprise I have been generally feeling calm about it all and I do hope this continues. I know I did say I would unlikely post anything until after the exams but I found this oppurtuity and was determined to pursue it. I would advise you to read this article first before you read my other article about Gun Control in America as it is far more serious and may not be a topic some of you enjoy hearing/reading about. Anyway, I do hope you enjoy my essay and that any of you sitting exams at the moment are seeing good results.
Nerdfighter Forever
In a world where Nerds are not fully accepted, I have often felt like a stowaway in an unfamiliar place. Simply expressing a different view or behaving differently to that of a stereotypical guy, suddenly became the opportunity for ridicule. However, my sense of isolation came to its conclusion when in the February of 2013, I was introduced to a group known as “Nerdfighters.” Do not be fooled, from the title you may have come to the assumption that this is a group that “fights Nerds.” It is in fact quite the opposite. The group itself was formed by author John Green and his brother Hank Green (A.K.A Vlogbrothers). The purpose of Nerdfighters, is so that Nerds can gather together and share in their obsession over TV programmes, books, cakes and so on. Another concept of the group is to “increase awesome” and “decrease world suck.” In other words, to make the world a little bit better. It is also the belief of the group, that any member is not made of organs or cells, but are made of awesome, that being awesome is a part of their biology.
With many smaller groups falling under the Nerdfighter category, I myself had joined “We are Nerdfighters.” Upon joining the group on facebook, anxiety had a firm grasp on me. I felt like an outcast, that I was not worthy, nor would a hand of acceptance be offered to me. Was I of a good enough standard to match my new title? I later, found myself pleasantly mistaken, when complete strangers soon became my dearest friends.
The very first of many Nerdfighter gathering in Glasgow Central, I was relieved to have one familiar face that I could retreat to, if this went horribly wrong. It was also nice that it had been an old friend, that I don't see as often since they moved school. However, my luck seemed to have turned upside down when they had to depart early. I was left alone with these strangers and grew wary of how the events of the day would unfold. It's hard to describe how surprised I was by how much it differed to my expectations. The people were almost unlike anyone I had ever met, I couldn't help but question where these amazing people had been all my life. Not only was it difficult to come to terms with the great extent of things I had in common with them, but trying to remember all their names was not easy. A lot of the time I had to avoid any situation that required me to speak someone’s name. After the gathering, I felt a confidence within me that I don't think I had ever felt before. On facebook, I added a whole list of people I had only met once, even some of them I hadn't met yet but I felt certain that I would get on well with them.
Thinking about that first gathering, I can't help but see as being almost surreal. For most people, the first time they met one of their friends was when the bond between them was formed and essentially that’s what happened at the gathering and yet it felt almost completely different. They didn't feel like the strangers that had turned into friends, but those close friends that I had known for years and felt comfortable with. What exactly was going on: was this the answering of a prayer, a simple coincidence, something of the supernatural or was it in fact, another thing that is well worth living for?
The amount of things I have done with these people, I have done without much of a second thought and some I never thought I would ever have done until I met these people. I have told them things, that I haven't even told my family or friends that I have known since Primary. It's so easy for me to tell them my problems and for them to listen, and the funny thing is, when I'm with them I often don't feel I have any problems to tell.
A system was later developed after the first gathering , that we would meet every second week at the weekend. Many more gatherings came after this one; with each gathering brought more new members. With more new members, brought more Nerdiness, more laughter, more hugs and at one point, more people to consider a second family. Bonds are so instantaneous within the group, that we all desire to win the lottery, so we can buy a big house and all live together. This desire is much stronger than at first glance, for a number of the members don't live in Glasgow, but a considerable distance outside it.
Together we have hugged Daleks, visited museums, sang the song of angry men, danced with great enthusiasm (but with no skill), spray painted our hair the colour of the TARDIS and many other activities. They may seem like a bore to some people, but bring joy and excitement to that of a Nerd.
Within this group, are people I hold as my dearest friends and the fact that we live so far away from one another, feels like the evil plot twist in a book to upset the readers. With each gathering, I can escape from my troubles; I have nothing to be sad about. The whole experience, what has past and what is to come, feels like the thrilling book you never want to stop reading. These people are the main reason that allow me to feel good about myself. I would miss an episode of Doctor Who for them (which means they are very important to me, ask anyone)? This essay isn't justice to how much I care about them, but as long as you get the just of it then volia. Therefore, in the words of a Nerdfighter, DFTBA (don't forget to be awesome).
Geornimo!
Stephen.
Geornimo!
Stephen.