Why I Became a Nerdfighter

[Jayde]

What initially drew me to the VlogBrothers -- and to Nerdfighteria in general -- was the philosophical aspect. The introspective quality mixed with light hearted nerd humour was a method of thinking very near to my heart and I was instantly hooked. I love how hopeful the vlog can be, it's done a lot to restore my faith in humanity. Right around the time I discovered the boys a few months back, I was beginning to crawl out from under the rock I'd taken refuge beneath when University started to gnaw at my soul. My friend showed me the vlog and suddenly I had a foothold that would eventually allow me to hoist myself back into the sunshine (hopefully) for good.

I'm not quite yet at the place where I can truly fight World Suck just yet, though I've started to turn my gaze outward. I'm still in the process of fighting Self Suck, so I am focusing most of my efforts in that department. I've come a long way in dealing with my anxiety and coming to terms with the ADHD-Combined Type diagnosis I received in November. I've started drawing again and it's become a much more sensory experience than it ever was before. I'm learning about expression through the process of image making rather than the image itself. I've started to write again; for the first time in over a year I've managed to put pen to paper and write something. I'm gardening on my balcony like I've always wanted. I've ventured out of my comfort zone and into roller skates and the yoga studio, not at the same time!

All of this is thanks to the Vlogbrothers and Nerdfighteria. So thanks guys! DFTBA!

[Kenny (TOK)]

Back when I worked with University Housing we heard the metaphor of the in-flight oxygen mask. You put the oxygen mask on yourself first, before assisting others, because if you go unconscious yourself you'll be no help to anyone. So that's a completely altruistic reason to take care of yourself first when needed. Also, since you are, presumably, a resident of the planet, YouSuck is a part of WorldSuck, so working on YouSuck will decrease WorldSuck (well, unless you find particular joy in knocking ice cream cones out of children's hands, or watching rain forests burn...). In other words, I hope you take care, it is important.

[Jayde]

Thanks! :D

I think this year I'll actually be able to get involved in some student clubs in a more than superficial way. SAGA, Students Against Global Apathy is one I've always followed and those guys are World Suck warriors! I'll also do more for the Special Education Students Associant this year. It's going to be great!

I've spent a lot of time putting the needs of others before my own. Over time it really depletes your ability to help anybody.

[Beatriz]

I'm proud of you. :)
John and Hank seem to have that effect on many people.

I got the courage to join my school's Newspaper staff, which I had been putting off for a very long time.
I really like the 'fighting self suck' part. Most people try to fix the problems of others instead of fixing their own (guilty), so it's nice seeing someone doing things in the right order :)