Growing up I was extremely introverted. In Kindergarten, my teacher thought I was a select mute because I never talked. The stage though was a place that I felt the most comfortable. I was able to portray a different role. I wasn't being judged and analyzed instead, it was the character. Having a place where my voice could be let free made me feel as though I mattered.
The end of my junior year there was an election for the class officers. I decided to run for it. Each candidate had to write a speech and then read it to our class in the gym. Most people didn't think I would be able to hold the microphone and deliver the speech. Boy, did I surprise them! At first, my heart started to race because I wasn't sure if I could do it. The more I stood there and read my speech those feelings went away. No longer did I feel afraid, instead I felt as though I was in my own world. There was nothing stopping me. After, everyone went another a teacher that is also the director for plays came over and talked to me. He said,"Wow, Sabrina I didn't know you had that in you. That was great." This gave me a rush of excitement. This was the start of me opening up.
This however, hit multiple roadblocks because when you go to a small school everybody knows everybody. The kids you went to kindergarten with are the same kids that you graduate with. So, they already have a preconceived ideas about you. How you should act and there was no way of erasing. No way to show them your true colors.
Fast forward to the beginning of summer this year, I was accepted into Oakland University. The decision of whether or not to live on campus hung over my head. I terrified that I wouldn't be successful and that I would miss home to much if I lived on campus. It wasn't until after Orientation part 1 that I decided to live on campus. My mom and I both decided that it would be best for me to live on campus and get the full college experience. Then, on the weekends I would come home. The closer it got to move in, the more my nerves crept up on me. Labor day weekend came and went, already I was feeling more comfortable being away. It wasn't until the start of the third week of school that I had established friendships with some of the most AWESOME people ever.
Those who are introverted, like me, I want to let you know that there is hope for you. The light at the end of the tunnel will be worth it. After, going away to college I was able to go back to my old high school and talk in front of 5 classes filled with students I went to school with. Let me, tell you that not one time did I feel afraid. This is because I was able to go away to college and be myself. I was able to let people see the true me, not the me that people feel as though I should act. If you have made it this far, then remember this, those who are able to push through and come out on top are stronger because of it.
