Want to experience the neon-soaked world of Charli XCX’s Angels, nerd out with fellow Marvel Cinematic Universe enjoyers or actually understand what goes on during the Super Bowl? Well, you’re in luck! With the help of Portola High School’s own fangirls and fanboys, we’re going to walk you through how to be a fan.
Step 1: Pick a niche that resonates with you
Before we transition into being a hardcore fan, we first need to pick a niche. Fanbases span many genres and topics — including music, pop culture, film, television and sports — meaning the possibilities are endless. Fandom starts with discovery, so don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and explore new interests.
“I think the easiest answer is, you just got to try,” Taylor Swift fan and math teacher Eric Graham said. “There are plenty of interests that I have gained because they were interests of my friends first. So, I think the combination of trying something new with somebody that you trust can lead to new experiences and new fandoms.”
Finding something to obsess over may seem daunting at first, but with the guidance of your peers and some willpower, you’ll be well on your way to becoming a certified fan. It only takes one topic of genuine interest to continue with our next steps!
Step 2: Educate yourself on the niche you’ve chosen
Well, you can’t be a fan without knowing what you’re a fan of. Embrace your true nerdiness and inner geek! Do your research on everything — from the actual details of your niche to fandom history to popular creators, make sure you’re well-versed in your environment.
“There is something satisfying about learning something hard,” golf fan and English teacher Jill Cavotta said. “There’s a plethora of information out there on YouTube, Instagram and some of the social media platforms. I follow golf channels, and I also have the advantage of having two golfers at home to talk to. Finding something that takes a little bit of work is rewarding, too, in terms of getting involved in something new.”
Here, we want you to make sure that you really love your niche. If you find that it might not be for you, or the research is simply too much, remember that your happiness always comes first. Start from Step 1 again, and maybe you’ll find that you like something else better. There’s too little time to only be halfway obsessed! Let the research consume you, and be genuine in everything you love.
Step 3: Find where you click, contribute and connect with the fanbase
Being a fan is as much about loving your niche as it is about loving the community around you. There is no shortage of people in the world who love the same things you do — connect with them and get talking! You might even help one another discover something new.
In fandom spaces, sometimes that connection can come from miles or even oceans away. Other times, it’s as easy as the friend you sit next to at lunch.
“Don’t be afraid to talk about [your interests], because I wouldn’t have found out [my] friends love movies if I didn’t,” movie fanatic and senior Chloe Im said. “I didn’t talk about movies often, and I feel like a lot of people are like, ‘Oh, they’re gonna think I’m weird.’ But no, you’re going to end up feeling more passionate about it because you have someone to share it with.”
In the coming school year, we hope you try new things, learn throughout the process and make new friends along the way. That’s it! officially a certified fan!
