Nerdvember Kicks Off in LLP

 The Nerd Lounge Creates Community Beyond the Classroom

Jarron Bills
Writing for Publication Staff Writer

Jarron Bills

"We Want this to be your space, be a place where
students are in charge"
-  Dr. Christopher Field

College is about more than what happens inside the classroom. For students participating in the Department of Languages, Literature, and Philosophy's have an opportunity to connect with others who share their interests while building friendships, skills, and experiences that can last beyond graduation.

Founded in 2023, the Nerd Lounge (formally the Nerd Culture Club) was created with a vision of students exploring their common interests and embracing themselves. The organization brings students together through activities that celebrate nerd culture, creativity, and community. Members have opportunities to participate in movie screenings, loose discussions, graphic novels, games and more.  The community gives students a chance to have fun while also developing valuable interpersonal and professional skills. The club hopes to take field trips to different events.

The club meets on Friday 12:30 p.m.-1:30 p.m. at Jackson Hall weekly. Students do not need to be experts or deeply familiar with every aspect of nerd culture to participate. The club is designed to welcome students with different interests and backgrounds.

Dr. Christopher Field, LLP Professor, is the Nerd Lounge adviser. He says participation can benefit students long after college by helping them develop better reading skills and just preparing them for graduation and into their chosen profession. The lounge also provides opportunities for students to take on leadership roles, allowing members to gain experience with organization, communication, teamwork, and event planning.      

For students who may feel nervous about attending for the first time, Field encourages them to join an environment that is welcoming and not intimidating. The goal is to create a space where students can feel comfortable meeting new people and exploring shared interests.

Dr. Chris Field Presents at
"I Want to Write 

Students also describe the Nerd Culture Club/Nerd Lounge as an important part of their LLP experience. Lyra Ford, a Senior, joined because she loves the community and has selected special interests. Their favorite activities include the tier list party, while their most memorable experience has been the tier list party as well.   

For busy students wondering whether they have time to participate, members emphasize that it is a welcoming environment and that anybody can participate. Even limited participation can provide opportunities to meet people, develop skills, and become more connected to the LLP community.

Whether you are interested in games, literature, technology, creative activities, or simply meeting new people, the Nerd Culture Club/Nerd Lounge offers a place to belong. Students interested in getting involved can contact Dr Field and/or just come in.

Come curious, come as you are, and discover what the Nerd Culture Club/Nerd Lounge has to offer!

Jarron Bills is a junior at Tennessee State University from Indianapolis, Indiana. He is majoring in English with an Africana Studies minor. Bills is a part of Sigma Tau Delta English Honor society, participates in the Nerd Lounge, and is currently helping to start a chapter of Helping Black Communities Unite Inc. (H.B.C.U Inc.) on campus amongst other things. Bills enjoys reading, researching different topics, listening to music, and expressing himself creatively. After graduation, Bills plans to become an anthropologist/archivist. He hopes that through the medium of writing he can help contribute to more people expressing themselves.