Speak Your Mind by Laura

Speak Your Mind by Laura - July 2016 Scholarship Essay

“Try not to be so quiet- you have a lot to offer”. As a young girl, I was very bubbly and outgoing. But as soon as I approached those gawky middle school years, my inner sparkle dimmed down. I felt I would be judged critically if I talked when I was not asked to. To make matters worse, switching schools going into seventh grade was not the best idea either. I felt like I was on top of the world in sixth grade with all my close knit friends, but as soon as I switched into a new environment, I froze up. I couldn’t act like myself in fear of being ridiculed by classmates.
While dealing with this transitioning time, I relied on the friendly faces of my teachers. They would show me sympathy and kindness to me (a “new girl”). But in particular, I had one teacher who recognized the energetic and outgoing girl trapped inside the mundane appearance of a seventh grade zombie. He realized that I actually have a great personality and that I shouldn’t be so shy. His advice to me-to not be too shy-helped me realize that I can be able to adapt to a new situation and make friends in the process.
The following year, I became closer with my classmates by joining school activities. I learned that I shouldn’t be care what the “popular” crowd thinks of me. I should be proud of my inner strength to be able to voice my opinions. I will never stutter with anxiety in fear of being made fun of. I did not feel like an outsider anymore. My teacher’s words resonate with me even to this day. Whenever I am anxious with greeting new people, I repeat to myself, “Try not to be so quiet-you have a lot to offer”.