CORNING, N.Y. (WENY) -- Students at the Alternative School for Math and Science got a special visit from Tony Weaver Jr., author of the graphic novel "Weirdo." He spoke to students about his book's empowering message, embracing self-love, confidence, and embracing what makes us unique.

"I call 'Weirdo' the nerdy kid's instruction manual for self-love and self-confidence, and it is really a graphic novel memoir that chronicles my personal journey of learning to love myself in a world that makes that really difficult to do," says Weaver Jr., "Very often, being weird is not a good thing. No one wants to be weird. We want to be normal, we want to fit in, we want to be considered cool."

Weaver who owns and operates Weird Enough Productions, a company focused on media literacy and promotion of emotional wellness in young adults, shared a key lesson with students. He says, that when you throw away what makes you different, you're also throwing away parts of yourself.

His message resonated with many, particularly when he spoke about his own struggles with self-acceptance and bullying as a child.

"I would kind of say like the part that was most important was how he dealt with the bullying that he, that he received when he was a child," explained sixth grader, Leo.

Miss Walton, a former student at the middle school, helped bring Weaver Jr., to the school because she personally connected with the book's themes. For her, "Weirdo" has a message she wished she had as a kid.

"It was a book that I wish that I had had when I was a kid, to know that it was okay to feel weird, and it really has themes and ideas that I know that my students right now really resonate with as well, and my wanting to have this book for myself, being able to give this to the students at my former middle school is almost like I'm able to give that book to my younger self," explained Walton.

Weaver's unique approach to his presentation, complete with his cape, wasn't just about looking different; it was truly about proudly owning it. He explained that wearing the cape and embracing his "weirdness" is part of his mission to show others that standing out can be a superpower.

"'Weirdo' is really my way of making good on that promise supporting young people where they are, helping them understand that the things that make them weird are the things that make them powerful," said Weaver Jr. 

For the students at the Alternative School for Math and Science, the visit was a reminder that being different isn't something to hide, it's something to embrace and be proud of. Through his graphic novel, his message continually proves to inspire a new generation to love themselves just the way they are.