Convention season is upon us and many people I know will start going out to conventions to hear panels featuring their favorite actors and authors. It is that time of year where the highlights involve bits and pieces of precious news unveiled at a con, pictures of awesome cosplayers and most importantly meet ups with friends.
The best thing about Star Wars fandom is the way that it brings everyone together. For me over the past several years I have become friends with many people via social media. Social media has given fandom a voice and allowed people to connect quicker and easier. It was not long ago where connecting through fandom was limited to message boards and people you met in line at a con. These days we have Twitter, Instagram, Tumblr and Facebook. Fans of podcasts and websites have easy access to those of us that write on the websites or host podcasts and this is fabulous. It also allows those of us that share the same passions and interests to connect with each other and share those passions. Out of all these means of communication the inevitable happens…friendships are born, and this is the best part of fandom for me.
Over my time in fandom the best thing to come out of it have been the friendships I have made and one of the best parts is that my friends are all over the country and in other countries. This means when I travel to conventions there is almost always someone that I get to say hi to. Star Wars Weekends is upon us in fact it is a mere few days away now. I will have friends coming from near and far to Disney’s Hollywood Studios to share int he magic with me and I could not be more thrilled. The biggest weekend of choice for my friends has seemed to be weekend 2 which falls on Memorial Day Weekend. While this will be one of the busier Star Wars Weekends I am very excited to get to see everyone.
Most people know why having friends is a good thing and the audience reading this also knows why having friends in fandom is a great thing. However, I wanted to take this time to thank some of my friends who have supported me and given me strength when my fangirl fandom has sometimes wavered. They have encouraged me to keep writing and to keep podcasting and without them I would not be where I am today. I know I will forget someone as that always happens but if I forgot you I will apologize now because you are an awesome person and someone I value as a friend.
The entire Jedi News team: All of you have been amazing and you are great supporters in the Force. I am so proud to be a part of it.
Mark Newbold: Thank you for believing in me and having my back. You always help me anytime I have questions or simply need a pat on the back. You rock sir!
James Burns: You found me when I was just a little Padawan and your encouragement, advice, support and confidence in me has helped me tremendously. I owe you so much, I may not ever be able to repay you but you can bet I will try.
Dan Curto: What can I say, you took me in and helped me from day 1. You never made me prove my Star Wars cred and you always treated me like an equal. Thank you for always being there. Squinkies forever!
Aaron Goins: Wow what can I say about you other than that you are my best friend in fandom. Thank you for starting Bookworms with me, thank you for being patient with me, thank you for respecting me and thanks for always making me laugh. Oh also thanks for editing me so I don’t sound like an idiot on our show.
Tricia Barr: My big sister you have guided me so much and opened my eyes to the world of fandom in ways that I never thought were possible. You have helped me grow and you have taught me it is ok to have an opinion and to express it. Thank you for being my co-pilot and for being willing to go Rogue with me.
Vanessa Marshall: Girl what can I say other than that you are what keeps me sane. Thank you for talking to me about everything and flailing with me. You know how important that is. Thanks for being a true fangirl and helping me with fashion tips and also helping me believe in myself.
Amy Ratcliffe: You are a true friend and an overall amazing person. Your work inspires me and you always have great advice for me. Thank you for being my fashion guru and one of my role models.
Jimmy Mac: For so long you have been a role model for me with podcasting and becoming part of your team is a dream come true. I am blessed to be a part of the RebelForce Radio family and to be able to call you a friend. Thank you for believing in me and giving this fangirl a chance to shine. I truly value your support and confidence.
Jedi Shua (Josh): Thank you for being the first amazing person I ever met in person at a convention. Thank you for treating me like an equal and for being one of my biggest supporters over the years. You are a true friend and an amazing person. Your friendship is one I could never do without.
Last but not least to my Star Wars Report family: Thank you Riley and Bethany Blanton for being the first ones to ever have me on a podcast and the first ones to ever ask me to write for them. Thank you for trusting me and being my friends. Thank you to Mark Hurliman for being the amazing guy he is and treating me the same as everyone else. Thank you to Karl and Jason from the Wampa’s Lair for letting me be their first girl ever on the show and for including me in their family. Thank you to the entire Star Wars Report family your support it has been there since the very beginning and it is something I am so proud to be a part of.
To all the podcasts that have ever had me on their show THANK YOU! I love chatting with all of you and getting a chance to geek out with you. Being on your shows is always a great time and I am always willing to be a guest, so thank you for valuing my opinion and giving me a platform to speak on.
To all of my friends, fanboys and fangirls you know who you are. You are all amazing people and let’s go have fun this convention season and make some memories. I have one request from all of you, we have to take pictures. When I was putting this together I realized I forget to take pictures with everyone so I plan to correct that this year!
May the force be with all of you and thank you for believing in me.
For more of Teresa’s articles click here.