Quote:
Originally Posted by synth3tk
FIRST, while being a very tech-minded program, attracts all sorts of people. Some of them go on to be business entrepreneurs, others graphics designers, and, of course, engineers, programmers, and everything in between. So to assume that the star basketball player or the girl who is the leading role of the school play are nerds, is wrong. At Buckeye (the only regional I've ever attended), I see all sorts of people, some who would (rightly) be offended by being called a nerd. They listen to all sorts of music, they're from various parts of the city, some of them are really outward people. But because they're a part of an activity that involves a bit of science, they should automatically be labeled a 'nerd'?
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1. "Nerd" doesn't mean you're socially awkward, or strange in any way. I have no idea where you've been, but at every competition I've been to, all of the "Nerds" are there, being more social than any other person I've known! They're there, dancing and singing, talking with other teams, and doing the coolest and funniest things no one else would ever be able to do!
2. There is no assuming everybody who does robotics is considered a "Nerd". That is your choice. If you prefer to be called a "Nerd", then so be it. If you think the term is considered offensive, then that's just how you think.
"Being a Nerd is like a religion. You can choose to be one, and anyone can become one. Being a Nerd requires no current skill in computers, good grades, or high thinking in math and sciences. Being a Nerd is wanting to become part of the great culture that Nerds have created. People who are Nerds, look around you. When you are around your friends, or at a competition, or even in your very own home, what kind of people do you see? You have been part of a robotics competition, and not only has that changed you, but it has benefitted everyone around you. Imagine what all of your friends and family would be like if you had never joined a FIRST team. Because YOU have become a Nerd, everyone around you has benefitted. Whether they are learning more about computers or robotics, or whether they have just become a better person overall from being introduced to Gracious Professionalism.
Now, everyone who says they're not a Nerd, look at what I said above. If you have affected the people around you in a positive manner because of joining a FIRST robotics team, then congratulations; You have at least one thing in common with those who call themselves Nerds".
-Quote by Rick Guptill (Team 256 mentor), when giving a speech to the team, and other people who came to visit.