before i took off to college my def. of nerd was most likely like what someof you define as nerds in the posts above (i.e. computergamophile, computer tinkerer, social recluse, peeps with bad taste in fashion, and so on). Now (Im a third year at UC Berkeley) the lined that seprated nerd and "normal" to me has blurred into each other, at least where i am right now. I see socially active "nerds" campaigning for asuc posistions (our student bod gov). I see people i would then have called "cool" as being responsible people allotting times in studies, officie hours, and etc. I see EEcs (elect eng majors) at clubs and frat parties. So, i guess im saying is that you have to really know someone to justifiably label him geek/nerd. Damn... i could even call a hardcore street racer or turbo nut a geek just for being interested in something they do so much, likewise the guys that are into comps.

 

I just stopped seeing someone who, by dictionary terms, probably fits the geek description: tall, skinny, long hair, glasses, "camp counselor" wardrobe (though he had nice stuff too), a Slash Dot devotee, and his profession involves a computer so he's pretty much got his face in one all the time; but he was a LOT of fun, very smart, attractive, and endearing. I don't let labels stop me anymore; I think I probably would miss out on some great people if I did!

 

While I'm not quite as old as Mark ( just messin' with you buddy), I think he's on to something here.

I was lucky in High School (at least I think so) because while I was in the GATE and AP classes with many of the people that we'd probably call geeks, I was also involved in athletics and hung out with the jocks and cheerleaders. I was able to travel in both circles, if you will.

I'm out of highschool 12 years now and I found it very interesting at my 10-year reunion that the roles have largely switched. Many of the nerds are now doing very well financially, are very well educated, and seem to be very happy with their lives. Hell, many of the guys that were just brutalized in high school by the jocks and would privately agonize about not getting dates with the cheerleaders are now married to are dating some very attractive and successful women. The opposite, to some extent seems to be true of the jocks. I hate to sound like I'm looking down on anyone or stereotyping but many of the "stars" of high school are not doing all that well today. I was appalled when I found out that one of the real standouts on our football team is still, yes still, going to high school football parties. I know its judgemental, but that's just sad.

There are exceptions, of course, but I think as we get older our priorities change and as human beings we begin to focus more on what really matters in people. Athletic talent or super model looks only works for a very, very small minority of people. However, intelligence, ambition, a strong work ethic and compassion will take anyone a long ways.