Williams Family: I Am a Geography Nerd

I am a Geography nerd. I think it began in 3rd grade when Mrs. Evans was my teacher and we learned what Geography was and had to know how to spell it. She taught us a mnemonic device to remember the letters. G--George E--Evans O--Old G--Grandmother R--Rode A--A P--Pig H--Home Y--Yesterday Got it. George Evans old grandmother rode a pig home yesterday. It worked as I still remember! Anyway, my love of maps, land formations--what they are called and where they are located, and how cultures are impacted by Geography began. Somewhere in 6th/7th grade, our family took a road trip to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, to visit a long-time friend of my mothers. Her husband had been relocated for a job and we were off to spend time with her and her family. My parents threw the map to me in the backseat and I navigated our way to Pittsburgh. By the time I was in High School, I was allowed to drive in/around/and out of state. When I was in college, I enrolled in a Geography elective as a night class. I liked to take night classes as there were more non-traditional college students and the competition for grades was fierce. The first night, the instructor gave an oral pre-test. My hand shot up at nearly every question. He told me not to return until the final but to complete the class project. Done. Geography showed up in Science Methods for Elementary Teachers at the University, too. The professor just smiled when I answered questions that seemed to baffle other students--time zones, Earth's axis, etc. As a young adult, I had an Atlas on my bedside table. Reading and studying maps was a soothing pre-sleep activity. Now, knowing Geography helps me connect with others. As a Travel Advisor, it is extremely helpful to have an idea of the world. When I frequent Walt Disney World and ask guests where they are visiting from, i can typically ask a question about their home location based on my knowledge and/or experience. And, I've won a trivia contest or two. Today, during Thanksgiving, my nerddam struck again. Our nephew was watching football and I said, that's Terry Bradshaw. Yep. I went on. . . he played for Pittsburgh, right? Now my nephew is intrigued. I added that I had been in the stadium in Pittsburgh, but to see the Pirates, not the Steelers. Then I asked if he know what rivers gave the stadium its name. He got 2 out of 3 correct! When dining with more people around the table, football came up again. Talk of Fantasy football teams including kickers. I interjected that the Iowa Hawkeyes had won last Saturday against Michigan State due to their kicker. (These folks are from Iowa and Hawkeye fans.) I got bonus points for having that information. But I went on. Both schools are party schools. I added that I had "celebrated" in both Iowa City and East Lansing as a young one. Another guest talked about their time in East Lansing and mentioned another Michigan town. My reply was about how that town was West of Lansing. Surprise on all accounts. Now maps are digital and accessible at one’s fingertips. I am not one who needs to turn the map the direction I am facing; that actually confuses me. I have been told that I have an acute sense of direction and once when I flew into New Orleans after dark, I could tell which direction was North.