Angela and I were joined by Rico from Treks In Sci-Fi to talk about what it was like growing up geeky. He invited us on his show to discuss our childhood, who influenced us growing up and how we’ve introduced our own kids to our fandoms. Rico was gracious enough to share the episode with us, we hope you enjoy.
How did you grow up geek? Who influenced you? Were you bullied or were you the bully buster? Did you hide your geek or did you wear it with pride?
Ok, so you guys can’t have all the fun! Here is my story of ‘growing up geek’.
I was born in Colorado and raised by a single mother in the San Francisco bay area. I do not remember 1977 but according to mother I was very excited to see the movie Star Wars. Mom said I was riveted. She laughed, she saw all the classic “western” troupes. Years later (I am going to say the 5th grade?) when I was reading everything and skipping to the back of the school reading books to read Edger Allan Poe, my mother decided that I needed to read the Hobbit. I devoured it. Along with the accompanying Lord of the Rings books. This got me into all sorts of things medieval.
This got me into a group that was into D&D. Also this time I was watching reruns of Star Trek. There was also a PBS station that ran Dr Who episodes. I watched it and fell in love. I can’t say that I had anyone that pushed or guided me. I was my own guide. books, TV shows. Movies…….it was all taken in. It fueled my brain and my imagination. It was part of the reason that I fell in love with the theater. I never really ‘fit in’ with other groups. I never was into sports and so knew nothing about it. Thankfully in our Junior High School and High School we had various groups and every one left everyone else alone. Even our Drama teacher encouraged us to embrace different things and be ourselves. it was a wonderful to have friends that could let me be who I wanted to be. And apart from a few bumps on the road of life I have enjoyed growing up as a geek, nerd….call it what you will!
Thanks for replying, Scott! Wow, another theatre geek. Sounds like you guys were able to avoid the flack most geeks catch. I’m glad. Thanks for sharing your geek history!