As college students, we are expected to sit in a classroom and have intellectual discussions about topics we don't fully understand with people we don't know on a personal level. Not awkward at all.
This reoccurring situation fills us with anxiety and self doubt. We lack confidence in our own opinions and perspectives, so we don't participate. We sit quietly and avoid eye contact with our professors. Does this sound familiar?
There is a reason our professors resort to randomly calling on us when nobody raises their hand, bearing our immediate wish of being invisible. Nobody wants to be called on and have nothing intelligent or worthy to say. However, our professors are trying to get us to participate for our own good.
You see, by participating, we are helping ourselves. We are taking part in discussions, learning to be confortable with voicing what we have to say because our voices matter. Any good professor knows this and will encourage his or her students to recognize their worth.
Personally, I'm getting more comfortable with speaking in class even when I'm doubtful of my answers. Just the other day in my literary history class, we were reading Shakespeare and my professor asked a question. So, I raised my hand, informed the class that, "this might not be right," then my professor interrupted me and said "it doesn't matter, I appreciate the effort." So, then I answered the question and I was actually right.
Speaking in class and having positive feedback to your commentary gives you a confidence boost. Sure there are times you'll be wrong and get embarrassed, but you have to live and learn. As you become more confident with your voice, you'll learn to know what kind of answers your professors are looking for. You get the hang of it and your effort does not go unnoticed. Your professors will know your name and face, which is beneficial for you when it comes to grading time. You may have a B+ in your class, but a generous professors who views you as a good students might think you deserve the A. It's a win-win situation.
It's okay to be wrong sometimes, but if you have a nice professor, they won't embarrass you when you're wrong. However, if you do have an embarrassing moment in class, just know you're not alone. We've all been there. Just push through.
Coming out of your comfort zone will allow you to grow as an intellectual. You'll learn to defend your opinions intelligently and will feel comfortable doing so, respectfully. Overall, you'll be a better you.
So next time your professor leaves the discussion open, raise your hand and speak confidently. You may just surprise yourself.
