I was born a geek and have cultivated that geekness throughout my life. So I know the tribe I belong to and the fandoms I fit in with. It’s been quite a few years since I’ve entered any world that was completely new to me. And then came Walter. 

If you’re a friend or have listened to Geek Watch One recently, you know that I bought a new car last month. He’s a 2018 Dodge Challenger in Plum Crazy (I love their color names!) and, yes, his name is Walter. Now, I’ve never been a car chick – like, at all. I’ve always seen cars as a convenience, a mode of getting from A to B. Sure, I’ve liked some models more than others, but it’s never been a big deal to me. Until I met Walter and fell in love.

But what I didn’t expect in getting a new car was also becoming part of a new group. Obviously, a Challenger is not just any car, but I didn’t really think of it as a fandom. Then I started looking up Facebook groups and… well… I’m the new kid. I joined a couple of groups to see what they were about and I’ve discovered a new branch to my tribe. Sure, these people know a hell of a lot about cars and do all the mods and stuff, and I was nervous to even post a pic. But when I finally bit that bullet and posted, they welcomed me right away.

Whether in person or online, making friends or discovering a fandom, being the newb is never easy. But you never know what you might discover about yourself if you just go for it. Even if it’s not something you’d ever see yourself becoming part of!