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On Growing Up as a Star Trek Enthusiast: A Reflection on Mother-Daughter Bonds
Growing up in the ’80s and ’90s, my teenage language was peppered with terms like tribbles, holodecks, and warp speed. I was raised a devoted Trekkie, a fact that I now embrace wholeheartedly, but at the time, I kept it mostly under wraps.
To illustrate my Trekkie credentials, I can speak a bit of Klingon, learned chess through a three-dimensional set, and dressed as a Starfleet officer for Halloween. I idolized Counselor Troi, experienced nightmares about the Borg, and had a major crush on William Riker. I even witnessed a live Klingon blood drive and have attended over 20 Star Trek conventions, meeting legends like William Shatner and Patrick Stewart along the way. My connection runs so deep that I was named after one of Captain Kirk’s romantic interests.
While my friends didn’t ridicule my interest in sci-fi, they also didn’t share in my enthusiasm, and my extensive knowledge of Starfleet certainly didn’t elevate my social status at school. But now, years later, I cherish those memories, especially because they were shared with my mother, who has been an avid Star Trek fan from the very beginning.
My mother has watched every episode of the original series, enjoyed every film multiple times, and even penned her own original Star Trek stories long before fan fiction became a phenomenon. She is a dedicated collector, filling our basement with memorabilia—from collector plates to phaser replicas, and even quirky Mr. Potato Head figures of Uhura and Scotty.
We celebrated Christmas with two trees: one traditional and one black, adorned with pewter starships that my father would buy for her birthday. My mother’s passion for Star Trek is infectious; she goes all in on everything she loves.
In addition to our shared Trekkie experiences, we also engaged in typical mother-daughter activities like shopping and lunch dates. However, it is those unique, eccentric moments that resonate most deeply with me. How many daughters can say they rocked out to a Geordi La Forge music video with their mom or waited in line for an autograph from Terry Farrell, all while sharing laughs and excitement? I remember attending an auditorium talk given by Leonard Nimoy and watching Patrick Stewart perform as Prospero in The Tempest, all with my mother by my side.
My adolescence has become inextricably tied to Star Trek and my mom’s influence. What I once felt compelled to hide, I now embrace with pride, even if it leaves my friends puzzled and my students amused. This seemingly niche interest has transformed into a beautiful representation of the bond between mother and daughter.
Star Trek has imparted valuable life lessons—celebrating diversity, encouraging exploration, and cultivating a love for literature. Yet, the greatest gift it has given me is the joy it brings to my mom. Witnessing her enthusiasm is truly inspiring.
While I once resisted my Trekkie heritage, I now genuinely appreciate it, resonating with the iconic words of the Borg: “Resistance is futile.” This journey has not only strengthened my connection to my mother but has also enriched my life in ways I never expected.
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Summary
This article reflects on the author’s upbringing as a Trekkie, highlighting the deep bond formed with her mother through their shared love for Star Trek. It explores how this interest shaped her identity and provided valuable life lessons, transforming what was once a hidden passion into a celebrated aspect of her life.