We really didn’t have much of a chance to get to know Kelsey this season on King of the Nerds as she really had a rough start. Being picked last for the teams she had to try and prove herself worthy of being there right from the beginning.
In a twist Kelsey ended up going from the yellow team to the purple team in the very first episode where she found herself headed into the nerd off. Sadly, she lost in a Harry Potter battle by so little. I would have loved to see her go further in the competition because I think she had some hidden talents that would have made her strong and she genuinely seems like a nice person!
Meet Kelsey!
Thank you to Kelsey for taking the time to answer my daughters questions and we wish her the very best!
Kelsey on King of the Nerds Season 2
Kelsey on King of the Nerds Season 2 Photo: Jeremy Freeman
Take a look at what Kelsey had to say to all of Brenna’s questions:
1. How does it feel to be picked to be on King of the Nerds?
It was completely unexpected. I knew thousands of applicants, including a few of my personal role models, were auditioning. The competition was impressive. I feel extremely blessed to have been selected. On some levels I still can’t believe it!
2. Why do you think you will be the next King of the Nerds?
I believe I will be the next King of the Nerds because I am an extremely well-rounded nerd. On one weekend I may attend a Steampunk, or an Anime Con. Later in the month, you might find me at a Chinese New Year Celebration or a MS3TK event at my local theater. Monday through Friday you will find me teaching ESOL students from around the world in Fulton County. In addition, I am a certified Language Arts and Science teacher. During my down time I enjoy practicing video games music on the piano, playing video games, interacting with visual novels, reading fantasy and sci-fi novels, and improving my Kanji or Hanzi calligraphy.
3. What is your favorite part of Nerdvana?
My favorite part of Nerdvana is the atmosphere and contestants. First of all, most viewers may not realize how much Curtis truly cares about each one of us. King of the Nerds isn’t just a television show to him. He has literally welcomed us into his home. Second, the atmosphere is amazing. Nerdvana is the Akihabara to nerds. Finally, my fellow contestants were absolutely amazing. The whole range of nerd passions were well represented!
4. What is your favorite cartoon?
That’s like asking me to pick between Birdemic or Hobgloblins! As it stands, my current favorites as Sasami: Maho Shoujo Club, Kemono No Souja Erin, Gravity Falls, and the Dragons show.
5. What is your favorite food?
I really like gyros, teriyaki chicken, miso, funnel cakes, Chinese dumplings, and Little Caesar’s Pizza. Really!
6. What is your job? Do you like it? Why or why not?
I am currently a university tutor. I thoroughly enjoy my job because I interact with many diverse students and subjects. Subjects I have instructed include: Composition, Anthropology, Anatomy, Psychology, Biology, Japanese, and Spanish. I can hone in on what exactly the student needs from me and maximize my time. In addition I am currently teaching ESOL at a local High School. Furthermore, I am finishing up my final semester in a M.Ed program.
7. What are your hobbies?
My hobbies include studying foreign languages, practicing Asian calligraphy, reading, playing the piano, watching cartoons and anime with my younger bro, playing visual novels and/or video games, hiking, and browsing gaming sites.
8. What is your favorite animal?
I like the mongoose (of course), bumblebee bat, chinchilla, and fennec fox. I also like any kind of rodent. I was crazy about animals and art as a kid. I drew dozens of pics of my faves. I have a very old black cat named Princess. I named her after a cow I saw on Ripley’s Believe It or Not.
9. Have you ever failed a test? I think I made a C- on a Honors Anatomy test during my senior year in high school. This class was extremely challenging and more than 85% of my classmates dropped it within a semester. I am glad I persevered and as a result I was selected the “Science Scholar of the Year.”
10. Can you speak different languages?
Dui a! Juedui! Hai! Mochiron! Si definitivamente puedo hablar otras idiomas. Studying and watching TV in foreign languages is one of my top hobbies!
11. What were you for Halloween this year?
I selected Serena to celebrate the release of Pokemon X and Y:D The best part is I bought most of my costume for less than $20 at our local Goodwill Store. I love creating affordable cosplay costumes!
12. Do you play any sports?
I was a gymnast for over a decade. I really enjoyed all the equipment. I was particularly fond of the floor and bars. I took tap and jazz for a few years as a youngster. If you have ever seen Olive in “Little Miss Sunshine” then you will understand my personal dance style. I also played some recreational tennis in college.
13. Who was your best friend in Nerdvana?
How can I pick just one? I loved Xander since he was my Japanese language and pop culture buddy. Jack was my Chinese language and anime buddy. MK was my Brony,anime and gaming buddy…
14. What advice do you have for young kids in school?
Don’t be afraid to be smart. Try new things. Be a life-long learner. Stand up for what is right. Find a group of people who like what you do. Err on the side of compassion.
