Introverted

College is challenging, but good. I am very grateful that I am able to go to BYU and receive an education here. I just never imagined how difficult it could be at times.

I am not a social person. I want to be, but I always clam up. I have always struggled with making friends, speaking up, sharing comments in my classes, or really just talking to any groups of people. However, if ever I am in a small group of other quiet people, I usually thrive. I just can’t handle being in a large social classroom setting where I am required to talk or am looked at as strange for never saying anything. The worst part is when someone points out that I haven’t made a comment yet. Whenever they say that, it’s “thank you captain obvious.” Why do so many people feel the need to point out the introverts and make them feel uncomfortable? If I ever feel the pressing need to share my opinion, I will. But there is not benefit in talking if it is all mindless babble.

It is especially hard for me when the teacher grades me on my participation (a.k.a. whether or not I talk). It’s challenging to be an introvert in an extroverted classroom. However, while I don’t say much in class, I am still learning. I learn by listening in class. Not many teachers, or students, understand that.

Being extroverted is one way to learn and being introverted is another. Everyone needs to take a chill pill and realize that while introverts might not be the most vocal or outgoing all of the time, they are still learning and progressing but just in a different way. Being extroverted is not the only way to live life. I wish more people understood that.