Even though Shelby considers herself the kind of nerd who is "so into things people are embarrassed for you," she chose a very traditionally cool, rebellious passion to talk to me about, tattoos.  Shelby has 6 (or more if you start counting them individually instead of grouping), and they all mean a great deal to her.  Shelby described the need for tattoos by saying that she loves the things that she loves so much that she has to have them on her body, and I just don't know whether anyone can define passion and nerdiness more intensely than that.  She's got tattoos to represent Chicago, her family, some friendships, and her religion, but beyond that she is a proponent of women using tattoos to embrace their own bodies and do with them as they choose.  Shelby's energy, genuine nature, and passion are contagious, so you may find yourself pondering what important thing you could get emblazoned on your bicep soon.

Notes:

Shelby's Tumblr post outlining all her tattoos and reasonings behind them

The Strength's Quest personality test

The Mind of a Chef

The Improvised Star Trek, which I will continue to bring up

Welcome to Nightvale, which I know I need to check out

Shelby's Your Stories about her hair and pop punk

Shelby's friend who has been in Disney Channel Original Movies with Sarah Hyland