That was a lucky break! I went to my first con at 11 -- also Trek -- but was too young to connect with other people. My mother took me but she wasn't fannish herself. It wasn't until after high school that I met up with people in a fandom and could make friends with people I could stay in touch with.

I imagine it's much easier to be known for being in fandom at work these days -- and also depending on the workplace. Libraries have generally been welcoming, for example. Even so I don't think anyone knew about my fandoms, certainly not in a way they identified with me, until I was going for my PhD.