An Early Introduction to Star Trek

My fascination with Star Trek dates back to when I was just six years old in 1968, thanks to my mom’s dragging me away from my coloring books and setting me in front of the TV to watch an episode titled “The Tholian Web.” Despite my young age, I was immediately hooked. I remember the ?? Episode vividly, and ever since then, I've been a dedicated fan of the series. Unfortunately, living in Alaska has limited my opportunities to attend conventions, as they can be quite expensive. But my goal is to someday attend one in the lower 48 states!

The Influence on My Interests

Around the same time, my parents watched Star Trek on occasion, which piqued my interest, especially when combined with my dad’s love for science documentaries. This early exposure to science and science fiction has had a profound impact on my life, shaping my career choices and lifelong love for learning about the cosmos and beyond.

The Discovery Process

I don’t recall the exact year I discovered Star Trek, but I do remember first watching reruns on school days after lunch, starting around the age of 8. At that time, reruns were shown at 4 PM, and school let out at 3:30. I would watch reruns I was familiar with, such as "The Way to Eden,” which I watched at least once, and possibly twice. My first exposure to Star Trek likely occurred in 1967, when the series was aired on Sunday afternoons at 3 PM. However, it's possible it was earlier, as I remember watching Doctor Who in August 1967 and was already into Star Trek by then, also following the Apollo program with great interest.

Early Viewing Habits

Initially, watching Star Trek was a casual activity, fitting into my childhood years. It wasn’t until undergraduate school that I truly delved into the series and began to eagerly anticipate each new episode. During my second year of school, I gained access to the USENET system, where I participated in various tech-related groups, further immersing me in the Star Trek universe.

The Transition to Fan Fandom

As I completed my undergraduate studies and embarked on my graduate program, my interest in Star Trek deepened. I particularly became a fan of Klingon fandom, and I eagerly attended conventions. The process of becoming a full-fledged fan was both thrilling and enlightening. I was at Teachers’ Training College in 1969, where I was 18, and had just moved into a college house. On one evening, I walked into the common room and stumbled upon someone watching Star Trek. This encounter was the beginning of my Star Trek journey, and I was immediately captivated by the characters, storyline, and the futuristic universe.

My Intriguing Introduction

During this fateful evening, I watched in disbelief as the episode unfolded. The captain, a complex and romantic figure named Captain Kirk, was a character I admired immensely. The starship Enterprise, with its advanced and futuristic technology, was a marvel I couldn’t help but adore. The series was like a breath of fresh air, and I couldn’t wait to watch every episode that aired. From that day onward, I became a dedicated Trekkie, eagerly anticipating each new episode and immersing myself in the rich and detailed world of Star Trek.