Revenge of the Nerds

A NEW BOOK SAYS IT IS THE GEEKS WHO WIN IN LIFE

Hi,

Aren't all the most wonderful things we enjoy in life the creations of people who more than likely dropped out of school, had a single minded interest, and were not deterred by initial failure, ridicule, condescension, mocking or downright abuse of those in the 'in crowd'? If you have children, this might be the time to instill self confidence, assertiveness, and perseverance. My dad taught me there is 'always room at the top, for the best' [of ANYTHING].

Sometimes the people around such children are more insightful than the parents. I will give an example. As a child, my mother was friends with Jay Williams, the author of the "Danny Dunn" series of books for children and young adults. One day he was watching me and told me and my mother that he was going to put me in one of his books as a character using my name. We had no idea what he was going to write, and neither did he at the time he made that decision. I forget which of the books I was in, but it was in the late 1950s. I was surprised and pleased to find myself in his next book.

In the book, there is a third grade class and all the students are looking at the teacher and the classroom, except one, Gordon Gianninoto, who was looking outside and saw a FLYING SAUCER. He told everyone in the class, but he was the ONLY one who could see it. I don't remember the rest. Perhaps one of you actually read or have that book and can tell me which one?

How did Jay Williams see in me my future life interest when I was 9 years old? Sometimes the right information comes into your life from an unexpected direction and you dismiss it. But perhaps one would be remiss not to ponder new information and fit it in to the total picture. I believe each person has a unique contribution to make to life, and no one should be dismissed or minimized with what they are trying to add to life.

I didn't see my first UFO until I was 15, and it was a mile diameter mothership launching 3 saucers out the side and winking out. I saw it with my mother and brother. At this point, I have seen over 3 dozen ships, and, not satisfied with that, have succeeded in contacting extraterrestrials. Success can be measured in many areas, not the least of which is satisfaction with the results of pursuing your interests.

If I had cared what others thought of my pursuits, and if I were easily discouraged by outright abuse, I would not have become convinced of the existence of a higher plane of life and become familiar with it. But the thought of giving up NEVER entered my mind.

Clearly, many of you are in the same group: You did NOT take no for an answer! Imagine how boring life would be if all of us only did what small minds thought was acceptable? If you feel in your heart that what you are doing is right for you, go do it...

Gordon

PS This particular article is aimed at encouraging female students to be themselves, but applies equally to women and men.

For more information or to purchase this book simply click on its title: The Story of Danny Dunn