Chicks dig nerds! LOL I was around 15 when I started all these. Now I'm 30, married, with kids, etc. People still try to classify me as a nerd, although I don't resemble anything like your typical nerd (I ride motorcycles and work for an advertising agency). As long as you're sociable, it will change their impression of you.
The "nerd" that comes to mind is a guy who has a horrible appearance (bad hair cut), glasses, and attempts to wear the "in" clothes. I am none of them.