Choosing to be a nerd.

I became interested in science half way through high school and from there on it was an exercise in accepting my identity as a 'nerd'.

[tibees]

When I was 15 I was selected to attend Space Camp in Alabama. It was a big deal for me but when it was announced at my school assembly, the whole audience laughed. It was absurdly nerdy, but I embraced that part of me and I hope you guys can too.

[izzy]

I didn’t choose the nerdlife, the nerdlife chose me.

[scottparis]

"I didn't meet people like me until I went to Uni."
Perfectly normal.

[aligrafix]

I got a lot of bullying in my youth because of being too nerdy. But at the end I see the fruits of learning and ignoring the negatives.

[simay]

I don't know if it's just me, but I feel like there's something about A Brief History of Time that makes people realize they actually really like physics!

[jakeanthony]

I was bullied for trying to be the cool kid. I wanted everyone to like me and know me, but it back fired. I didn't know how to act, I just had a desire. I had no care for grades or learning, but I wish I would have been nerdy instead. Then I could have discover many things that changed my way of thinking for the better, sooner. After high school no one will make fun of you for being academic or discussing educational knowledge, it is quite the opposite. The more educated you are, the better off you are, in the real world.

[anonymousgirl]

In my school being a nerd is considered cool so I'm good.

[sandeepshastry]

Ur words inspire us so much. Living in a stereotypical society, we generally don't fit into their definition. I admire ur dedication towards science and hope even I get the same passion.

[jonathandavis]

I'm a physicist too. I've noticed many others in my department watch similar YouTube channels, we play similar video games, love to discuss things etc. Even the professors like the same stuff haha! Physicists seem to understand each other in a way that is unique to physicists.

[pratyaypaul]

When kids look up to great scientists the way they look up to musicians or actors, civilization will jump to a new level. -Brian Greene

[sciencepetr]

Toby, you're an absolute legend. I am so thankful that you exist, and deeply grateful to call you a friend.

[PROFEARTURO]

I wish I would have your mindset while I was in high school, just to gain some approval from my peers I was always the clown of the class, the last thing I wanted was to study science. It was just when I turned 20 that watching youtube videos that I became interested in science and went to college for my degree.

[TheExiledTexan]

Took me until the age of 23, liberal arts degree in hand, to realize I loved science. Several years later and I'm a semester away from a CS degree. Shame I hadn't realized it earlier.

[cubed]

Quite a heart for you to open up about something so personal!

Thanks for sharing your experiences!

[ChrisInmanDrums]

Very glad you posted this! I understand exactly what you are saying purely because I didn’t make those same sacrifices back at school, I was in fact all to eager to disregard my education entirely to pursue only music and a rather exuberant social life. Since becoming so passionately engaged in science through books such as Brief History of Time I have come to painfully regret that, and I’m currently making amends by pursuing an education in physics a little later than some. I found this video strangely inspiring, so thank you!

[leafyischris]

I'm so happy to know that someone else has gone through all the stuff that I'm currently going through and has turned out just fine. Currently as a junior I always would spend my time studying so I could maintain my good grades but I'd always see my friends on social media out partying and doing stuff and idk it made me feel like a loser, especially on a Friday night where I would be at home studying, I never really minded I enjoyed it more than going out and doing stupid stuff, but the thought always lingered in my head. So Thank you its reassuring to know that these choices pay dividence because you turned out just fine and you are successful!

[kelseyhiggins]

This video made me feel a lot better. I'm almost twenty-four, returning to education. I did a certificate in science last year and discovered I really like maths. Then out of the blue after watching a few documentaries and looking at some past papers, I discovered a passion for astrophysics. It really does go to show that nobody has everything figured out - and we're all still learning (probably until the day we die). I'm going to be applying for a physics with astrophysics degree here in Ireland for next September. Thank you <3

[durdyn.]

I can relate to what you told us in so many levels, Tibees. And I just want to say that watching your videos inspire me to not give up while I face difficult times (at uni, I study physics in Brazil), because you remind me how much I can love physics and science.

[andrewesquibel]

I've watched this video several times. Really cheers me up/gives me comfort. It's very life-affirming. Thanks for sharing, Tibees!

[stemikger]

So amazing you found your passion!! I wish this for everyone, no matter what it is.