September 2025
story and artwork by Anne M. Dellinger, Contributing Columnist
Have you ever been called a nerd?
If so, hopefully you were flattered and proud to be recognized for your enthusiasm, expertise and know-how about a special topic, not ridiculed or embarrassed.
In the not-too-distant past, being branded a nerd was considered derogatory and belittling. The nerd label brought to mind a brainy person, usually a guy hooked on math and science who was socially awkward and overly focused on academics and technical subjects.
Often a nerd was portrayed wearing oversized glasses and unfashionable clothes, including a bow tie and a pocket protector full of ink pens. (Steve Urkell from the 90s sitcom “Family Matters” was an iconic representation of a nerd … ask your parents if they remember that TV show and how they felt about this character.)
Fast forward 30-plus years. Now there is a new, more positive perception of nerdiness.
The modern-day nerds are both guys and gals who are respected for their unique interests and abilities, along with their dedication to the things they deeply care about.
And while the stereotype of a nerd is still associated with math and science, the 21st century nerd can now be found hanging out in most any field of study and interest. Today, people are passionate and knowledgeable about a ton of different things.
Do you identify with any of these nerdy pursuits?
CARD COLLECTOR NERD — someone who is an avid and knowledgeable collector of specific trading cards such as Pokemon or sports, and may enjoy designing original cards.
SPORTS NERD — someone who loves collecting statistics and facts about a particular sport or team. Or someone who focuses on the form and technique of their sport and practices diligently.
TECH NERD — someone who is enthusiastic about technology, especially computers and electronics; excited about the latest gadgets, games and trends.
OUTDOOR NERD — someone who is passionate about camping, hunting, tracking, hiking and studying the environment.
HOBBY NERD — someone who is dedicated to mastering a special interest like playing a musical instrument, speaking a different language or even learning to cook.
WEATHER NERD — someone who regularly studies weather data, patterns, forecasting and phenomena.
With a wide range of interests to choose from, it is not about what you love but how much you love it that establishes a person’s inner nerdiness.
If you have not yet found that “special something” that makes you passionately curious (beyond your cellphone), no worries. Nerdiness has no time or age limits; you may not discover an interest that you truly love and want to spend time exploring until you are older.
In the meantime, here is a suggestion. Step outside … the natural world always has countless things to get excited about.
Some are scary looking. Some are mysterious. Others can be beautiful, puzzling or even humorous. Nature never disappoints!
Do you recognize each of the subjects in the photos below?
1) Indian pipe plant, 2) cicada shells, 3) hickory horned devil caterpillar, 4) a praying mantis egg case, 5) pipevine swallowtail butterflies, and 6) a gray tree frog
Maybe there is something in this lineup that will trigger an interest?
There are endless mysteries and secrets to unravel in wooded areas, along streams/ponds or in your own backyard.
Observe … collect … photograph … draw and record your findings.
Who knows? You just might be a nature nerd in the making! And planet Earth can always use more nerd devotees! In today’s society, it is cool to be smart and passionate about a single-minded interest. There is even an official day in August dedicated to Finding Your Inner Nerd. But any day is okay to recognize what makes you happy and gives you a chance to share it with the world. When your passion earns you the NERD label, wear it proudly! (Bow tie, oversized glasses and pocket protector are optional!)
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