I am: a nerd

In this time of transition - from one continent to another (and then another, and then another), a time of uncertainty about the future, and letting go of all I once held dear - I have been doing a bit of self-discovery.

First, I wrote about a loss of identity.

Then I posted my first finding: I am: third culture

Today, I will post a second finding...

Finding #2 - I am a nerd

When I was a PhD student taking a masters level housing policy course I was always the student who read EVERY thing. I came in with questions. I did the homework. I ruined the curve for the masters level students in my course. One of the guys in the class called me on my behavior. I think he meant it as an insult, but he said, "you are such a nerd!"

My response, "of course, I am a nerd! I am in a PhD program. Duh! Who else does that? Only nerds apply."

I have owned that title proudly for a number of years (not always the case in my younger years). If I could, I would be a life-long student. I'd love to get a second masters degree and have a long list of courses I'd love to take for fun. I am usually reading at least two books simultaneously and finish dozens a year. Learning is a sport to me. I absolutely love to learn. I love spreadsheets and enjoy statistical analysis (though I prefer someone else calculate the tests, deviations and co-efficients).

I have caught myself many times in recent years repeating the same mantra, "I am a nerd." I know it. I embrace it. I am not ashamed of it. It is part of me. When entering a book store or library, I am like a kid entering a candy store.

As a side note, this nerd still prefers thumbing the paperback version of books over an electronic reader, and brick and mortar shops for purchase over the e-stores.

just Sheri, acknowledging the truth of my social status