Since I've taken only physics and astronomy classes in college, and graduation requires at least two different fields in the natural sciences, I find myself in Physical Geology this semester, an introductory class for non-science majors. I would have taken something much cooler like Organic Chemistry, but this was the only class that fit in my schedule and it's a guaranteed A. I hate being around all these freshmen and science-haters though.

In my lab for the class, I sit in the back next to this guy who from now on shall be referred to as "The Jock". He's your typical meathead, shouts things out in class, generally annoys the lab teacher, thinks he's being charming, and checks out all the girls to see if they notice him. I usually get along with guys like "The Jock" because they're just amazed that some girl won't put up with their antics, and they like being talked back to. Thankfully, I have never found "The Jock" or any of his kind attractive.

On the other side of "The Jock" sits "The Nerd". He's shy and generally sweet, behaves well in class, laughs at his own jokes, and is genuinely good-hearted. I try to be partners in lab with "The Nerd" because I know we'll finish more quickly and he'll focus more on the work than on the butt of the girl who dropped her pen. Usually though, I end up being partners with both "The Jock" and "The Nerd", which has led to me this sad observation.

"The Nerd" thinks "The Jock" is just the coolest guy in the whole world. "The Jock" didn't show up to lab last week and "The Nerd" was kind of sad about it. "Where is he?" "He's funny!" he claimed over the course of the two hour session. "No, he's loud and annoying, there's nothing funny about that." I retorted. The Nerd corrected himself, "Oh, but he's cool". "No! That's exactly what isn't cool!" I tried to explain to him, but "The Nerd" just wouldn't get it.

Now that I'm fully versed in Aristotle's Ethics, let me impart you with this one virtue. No matter how rough it is in high school or college, no matter if you're a nerd or a jock, don't turn into one of those loud-smart-mouthed jerks, because in the long run, it's better to be a nice person than mildly amusing. Take it from me, I'm an old lady and I've seen a few things. Class clowns are worth mild entertainment now and then, but being good is forever.