Nerd in Another City

5 Geeks Who Inspire Me

Before this week, I’ve been away from the Blogosphere for a little while. And I have to share that I haven’t been the same without my blog or without you, my darling, nerdy readers. It’s a part of me. An extension of my brain and of my personality. And I think I’d forgotten that! I must have, because I thought it’d be a good idea to take a break from writing. When in fact, writing is exactly what I’ve always needed to help me figure out the cobwebs of my mind.

Whether it’s introspective blogs like I’ve been writing this past week, or blog topics that we write together as a community like today…I’ve remembered why I started blogging in the first place. And while I don’t promise never to take another break (cause sometimes we need such things) I do, however, promise not to neglect my little blog. She who has been there in so many dark moments. She whom I found over 4 years ago, but I suspect it’s she who found me!

This week’s 5 Fandom Friday topic is about Geeks who inspire me. Cutting this down to just 5 people is tough. There are so many amazing nerdy folks out there living the dream. But here are the ones who really speak to and inspire me!

#1: Felicia Day

She has offered nerd girl’s everywhere the inspiration to step out and shout “I’m a nerdy girl and proud of it.” She was a potential slayer in season 7 of Buffy the Vampire Slayer and also starred opposite Nathan Fillion and Neil Patrick Harris in Dr. Horrible’s Sing Along Blog which she helped write with Joss Whedon. She’s also the writer and star of her own extremely popular web series, The Guild. Founder of the nerd mecca that is Geek and Sundry and now author of her own autobiography (which I just bought last night and started reading), “You’re Never Weird on the Internet (almost).” Felicia Day has been where we nerd girls have all been and she’s made it to a place we sometimes wish we could reach. Acceptance. Acceptance of who she is, of the power she wields and of the world she lives in.

#2: Zachary Levi

If you’ve been reading my blog or following me on any social media platform, then this one is a no brainer! He’s the founder of The Nerd Machine and of Nerd HQ. He’s the star of Chuck and the voice of Flynn Ryder. He’s an ambassador for Operation Smile and a genuinely kind man. He’s Zachary Levi and I am constantly inspired by him. Doesn’t hurt that he’s 6’3″ and loves Jesus! He has often been called the King of the Nerds. He leads the charge and finds a way to give back every chance he gets.

#3: Wil Wheaton

 It was the early 90’s and one of my favorite shows to watch with my mom and dad was Star Trek: The Next Generation. And since I was between the age of 5 and 12 when TNG was on the air, I was the perfect age to fall head first in love with the dashing, young Wesley Crusher. He was just a kid and he was serving on the USS Starship Enterprise. Be still my preteen heart! Later I would come to admire Wil for his work in Felicia Day’s web series, The Guild and as himself on The Big Bang Theory and just for the all around nerdy dude he is. He can also be seen as the host of Geek and Sundry’s Table Top. Wesley Crusher was not a favorite among TNG watchers, but Wil didn’t let that stop him from becoming the nerdy icon that he is today!

#4 – John Boyega

No, he didn’t make the Kessel Run in less than 12 parsecs, but now he knows someone who did. John Boyega is one of the lucky stars who will be in a little film called, Star Wars Episode VII: The Force Awakens (maybe you’ve heard of it.) As a bonafide fanboy himself, one imagines that when the call came in that he’d gotten a part in the biggest movie of our time that he ‘Squee’d’ the ‘Squee’ of a thousand nerds, especially since he’s a Star Wars nerd himself. We don’t know much about his character other that his name is Finn and he now has a chance to wield Luke/ Anakin Skywalker’s lightsaber and we don’t know why. (Dear Lord, let December come swiftly!!!) It is a joy to watch him at conventions and press junkets, because he is truly one of us. A nerd to the core…inside and out. And we are proud to have him represent his people in the Star Wars Universe!

#5: Veronica Roth

Another nerd to the core. I started out liking Veronica Roth as the author of the Divergent series. It’s a great set of books with a compelling story and I like to support the people that create things I like. And then I saw her at Book Con last year and at Geeky Con this year and that’s when I realized that she is one of us. Truly, madly, deeply one of us. Dressed in her Draco Malfoy cosplay and talking about which house she’d be sorted to if she ever went to Hogwarts. Veronica Roth is a bonafide nerd and we nerds gotta stick together!!

Honorable Mention: My Little Brother

I love all the nerds I mentioned above, but this nerd is the nerd who made me into a nerd! If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t have watched Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or Power Rangers or Batman: the Animated Series. I would probably still be a Star Wars fangirl (that one was written in the stars) but I might not have the deep understanding of the SW Universe that I have from knowing this guy. My younger (not littler) brother, Jeremy. He is the coolest nerd I know. He taught me how to nerd. And if you are looking for someone to share a road trip with…he is your guy. Plus he comes complete with Star Wars sleeping bag and audio books. He’s a nerdy boy scout, which means he’s always prepared to nerd!

Which nerds/ geeks/ dorks inspire you??