Checked out this book through OverDrive this weekend and read through the first 135 pages. This Alexandra Robbins best-seller follows the lives of seven high school students who are part of the "Cafeteria Fringe". Cafeteria Fringe is the label given to people who are not part of or who are excluded from a school's or society's in crowd.
The author makes a case for these students in her "Quirk Theory". Quirk theory suggests that popularity in school is not a key to success and satisfaction in Adulthood. According to Quirk theory, many of the differences that cause a student to be excluded in school are the same traits or real-world skills that others will value, love, respect, or find compelling about that person in adulthood and outside of the school setting. These traits include Individuality, Courage, Creativity,Originality, Freethinking, Vision, Resilience, Authenticity, Self-awareness, Integrity and Candor.
Some examples of successful cafeteria fringe the author uses are Lady Gaga (who I appreciate because for her current campaign against bullying based on her own school experiences) and Steven Spielberg.
There is hope for us Nerds. Don't let others keep you from pursuing your dreams.
