I am lucky to be friends with the coolest human beings in the world. Allow me to describe them to you and make you wish you knew them, too: scientists, bookworms, PhDs (both of them… their brown parents are so proud), Potterheads, crossword lovers, and ridiculously supportive of each other. They had their engagement shoot at Half Price Books. That’s how cool and perfect they are.
When they announced that they were having a baby girl, the pressure was on to create something nerdy and bookish, but also a wish for this little human that my wonderful friends made. I created a long list of quotes celebrating discovery, books, and powerful women… and agonized over it. I think I finally got something that’s the perfect combination.
Anne of Green Gables is close to my heart. I fell in love with the miniseries as a child. I loved Anne’s imagination and her way of looking at the world. Her weirdness resonated with me. She’s a huge part of why I decided to be a teacher.
Of all the quotes that I looked at, this was the one that captured the spirit of discovery and imagination that I wanted for Baby Maya. Plus, it allowed for me to add symbols from all the disciplines to show all the possibilities that Maya has before her!
Here are all the quotes I considered for Maya’s nursery. Perhaps you can use them for your own nerdy girl’s room!
You had the power all along, my dear
Glinda the Good Witch
Rejected because it’s a quote from the movie, not the book. I wanted a book quote.
Though she be but little, she is fierce.
William Shakespeare, A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Rejected because it’s been used so much… and because the original quote was meant as a veiled insult from a friend to a friend as they fought over a man.
Don’t let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity. It’s your place in the world; it’s your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.
Mae Jemison
Rejected because it was too long, as were all of these:
Watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you, because the greatest secrets are always hidden in the most unlikely places. Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.
Roald Dahl, The Minpins
The following were all such fun quotes, but I decided against them because they spoke to me as a parent, and I wasn’t positive they were perfect for my friends. I was really close with quite a few of them, and if I could have a whole nursery to fill up, I would.
I’ll be in my bedroom, making no noise and pretending like I don’t exist.
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
I solemnly swear that I am up to no good.
Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be.
Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Chapter One: I am born.
Charles Dickens, David Copperfield
Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it.
Roald Dahl
You are not a drop in the ocean. You are the entire ocean in one drop.
Rumi
You are a song. A wished for song.
Rumi
Which one is your favorite? I’m still pretty sure I picked the perfect one.
The Nerd Lady 