I never thought I would be writing this. My last entry into a column that is, face it, hypocritical to the true state of my nerdiness. I am not closeted about anything, especially regarding how much of a nerd I am. But because I inherited this column from a dear friend of mine who graduated from the newspaper staff just as I was joining it, I kept the name for her sake.

It really is odd to be finishing my run on this column. After an issue of The Lamplighter is finished, my brain begins to go into overdrive, attempting to find a topic nerdy enough to fit. I tried doing that again for the Senior Issue, but it did not feel right to simply ignore that this is my last post.

The past two years I have written some fluffy stuff, of little journalistic value and it was never particularly difficult for me to go off in rants for over 800 words on whatever issue I was discussing. Yet, I still had my fun. 

Making the My High School Journalism national edition with my first article about nerd culture finding its way into the mainstream was definitely the highest point for me, and I knew the tone for which to continue this column. Over 11 issues, I have explained why 3D movies are not what they are cracked up to be, touched upon the hot button topic of casting a superhero in a movie, sent a farewell to Steve Jobs, and recounted my journey through Lexington’s first ever Comic Convention.

I know many do not take any time to see what I have to say about nerd culture, but if you are reading this right now you have probably been with me for a while. However small this following or, to build up my self-esteem, fan base is, I cannot express enough how cool it is to have people come up to me and discuss my latest article with me. Knowing that at least a handful of people read my articles regularly and want to talk about them with me is really gratifying.

I have been given an opportunity, month after month, to write about what interests me and what my passions are. I am blessed to have that opportunity and it makes me smile to know that a few of you appreciate it as well.

Though it is likely this column will cease to exist when I am gone next year, I still encourage everyone to take the opportunity to find their inner nerd. If you are not the type to go see Prometheus, The Dark Knight Rises or The Amazing Spider-Man this summer or watch The Avengers for a fifth time, that is fine. Not every nerd is the same.

You can pick up a comic book, study the history of the Cold War, or get into technology. A nerd is one who has intense, sometimes obsessive passions. Find what you are interested in and let your inner nerd out. We would gladly welcome you into the family.