What is a nerd?

I originally intended to make a post about E3 and have a game list and talk about everything Microsoft said, then took back. However, at the absolute last minute (almost), I had a change of mind. Today's post has nothing directly to do with video games or electronics; in fact, the very topic is stated in the title: what is a nerd?

This month, I'm assuming as a way to try to lighten the mood as we prepare for Inventory, my place of employment is giving us themed days and this past Thursday was "Nerd Day". I knew exactly what I would see: co-workers with taped glasses, short pants, and button-down shirts; that stereotypical Revenge of the Nerds look. I, on the other hand, decided to take the road less traveled; I wore a Marvel girls shirt, a light-saber necklace, a chain with the One Ring on it, a com-badge pin, and my Firefly lanyard.That's about how I'd normally dress. I don't wear button-down shirts or ill-fitting pants, nor do my glasses have tape on them.

The word nerd is defined as:

1. a stupid, irritating, ineffectual, or unattractive person.
2. an intelligent, but single-minded person obsessed with a nonsocial hobby or pursuit.

It is unknown how the word was derived, but is listed as originating as an Americanism sometime in 1960-1965. That definition hardly fits any of the people I know who prefer to label themselves as such. I know plenty of self-professed nerds who have many hobbies, from reading to crafting to working with computers to gaming - and the list goes on. We're far from being this anti-social and goofy stereotype: just think of how many various conventions happen at any given time in any part of the world and how many people attend and make lasting friendships. We enjoy gathering with others who share our passions and hobbies and celebrating each other and just having a fun time.

In short, us nerds (or geeks, if you so prefer) come in a variety of unique flavors. We each have our gifts and talents, the things in which we excel. We also have our weaknesses and a lot of us are constantly looking for ways to strengthen ourselves and stay true to ourselves while pursuing the things that make us happy, the things that pique our curiosity, the things we desire to better understand.

So what is a nerd? We are the ones who never stop learning, who never stop growing, who never take "no" as a definitive answer. We are the ones who will change the world, for better or for worse.
(Our aim is for better though, I promise. It's kind of a trial-and-error thing.)