A few years ago during my sophomore year in high school, I was introduced to something extraordinary, something that, little did I know, would make a positive impact in my life. The thing in question? Comic conventions. I had never suspected that I would have been involved in "geek culture" as much as I am now, but after having lived my passion for pop culture quietly in the privacy of my small suburban community, it was nice to be able to relate to people on a larger scale.

The first time I rolled up to the Birmingham Kami-con, I was a little nervous. I wondered, Will people judge my costume? Do I know enough about such-and-such show/movie to talk about it competently? Will there be any friendly people there? Little did I know that my expectations would be blown out of the water. The moment I entered the convention, I could tell that there was something different about that crowd that stood out from most other groups, and no, it wasn't the throngs of people in cosplay, it was the overwhelming feeling of camaraderie. How so many people from so many different backgrounds and fan groups could all just come together and share each other's joy for pop culture instantly charmed me, and I haven't been the same since.

(me, pictured on the right, at my first convention)

After facing the stresses of day-to-day life, it's an awesome feeling to be able to let go an experience the magic of a convention. Whether it's going to fan panels and getting to talk to your favorite celebrities, taking pictures with talented cosplayers who put their passion into every detail of their costumes, or even just browsing around in the dealer's room and appreciating the crafts that people create, there's something for everyone, and that's what's so wonderful about it all. Some people may be led to believe that geek culture is "immature" or "cringe-worthy", but they are sadly mistaken. It's a celebration of a common bond that brings different people together, things that we can all appreciate in unique ways, and if that's considered cringe-inducing, then let those people cringe all they want while the rest of us will enjoy ourselves.

Whether you're into anime, furry-culture, comics, or anything else, it's awesome to know that all of you are out there doing your thing without any regard for what the world thinks of you. So many of you I have met during my visits to local conventions, and those of you I have met have been the sweetest, most captivating people I have ever known. You spend hours working on your amazing costumes just so you can see people's eyes light up as they see their favorite characters come to life, and if that's not dedication, I don't know what is. Conventions have found a place in my heart, and no matter what happens, I'll always know that there will be people out there that will always find common ground no matter what, and that is a thing of beauty.