Hey, grades are grades. It's a start. And something to build on.
I have been to three NESTS, the first in 2007. If you can manage it, go. I don't know that i will make it next year, but if you go you will not be sorry. It was a liberating experience, meeting so many people in person for the first time. Search tickling discussion and read the threads. And there is a NEST thread in the gatherings forum.
There is so much going on it can seem overwhelming, but it's well worth it. I have many fond memories, and met so many amazing people. I could bore you to death with stories. 🙂