Howdy Phil,
You've gotten tons of good advice from everyone, and I might point out that everyone that has responded "like wearing plastic armor", so obviously your NOT alone!
I , like most grew up with Star Wars ( I don't even remember how many times I made my dad take me to the drive in to see ANH) .
But in jr high I wasn't all that popular, I didn't play sports and girls wouldn't give me the time of day. High School came around and my mother and step father moved me to a small town about 45 min from Wichita. ( For reference....Wichita is the largest city in Kansas......the majority of KC is on the MO side, to a small farming community that didn't even have a McDonalds till my Senoir year) It was culture shock to say the least, but on top of that, I have had a full beard since 8th grade, and all the guys in Wellington were baby faced. So what this did was allienate me even more...........the rumor started going around that I was an undercover cop sent there to bust all their druggies. ( Too much 21 Jump Street if you ask me) And therefore I had exactly 2 friends for my jr and senior year of HS. But besides finding the rumor rediculously funny, I think it made me a better person for the very reason of NOT FITTING IN. I made my own decisions, and ended up like several of the responses above, not really caring what anyone thought. It makes you stronger, not physically but mentally.
I didn't go to college until I was 23...........got my EMT and then straight into MICT/Paramedic school and have worked in medical ever since till about a yr ago. And I started my own business that has nothing to do with medical!
It was either on here or on the 70th Explorers Garrison forum, that it was observed that the average age for most people building armor and joining was around 30-35 ( I think this is mostly since thats when we can afford this hobby) And with all the charity work, smiles that get put on both children and adult's faces................This hobby serves two fold.............we get to be Star Wars characters, and we do something for the communities.
Yes stay grounded, but also don't be afraid to be different!!!! It's those that are different that keep the world an interesting place!
Bill Gates is probably the biggest "nerd" that would fit the the meaning....................well look what he has done! ( okay XP was great, Im not a fan of Vista) But do ya really think he cares what the people in HS think of him? My guess would be a big NO
And remember the 501st Legion is WORLDWIDE....................so your FAR FAR from being alone and different!