I clenched my jaw shut, as I choked down the flood of emotions streaming from the windows to my soul. Slowly, I advanced whilst opposing the molasses grasping me with its cold hands. Astonishment bubbled from within, as I was utterly broken and could not believe how poorly I communicated my vision. When I finally burst into my solace, I drew my legs toward my center and gave in to the demons banging to escape.

This episode was the result of a personality trait I have struggled with my whole life. From the start of my educational career, it became evident I was exceptionally closed off when conversing with people I had no prior experience with. As with most children, my social interactions were plentiful and exciting times that I was ecstatic to take part in.

But I never really broke out of my cage of shyness to blossom with all types of people. I let this attribute control my life for quite some time, not realizing that I was being held back. My mother would always demand I speak up when talking to adults, and force me to further the conversation about whatever I was interested in. Finally, after a project interview for Technology Student Association —during which I experienced a lack of control and embarrassment —I knew I was sick of this curse and that I was willing to do anything to battle my weakness.

I was extremely affected mentally and wanted to work toward my goal. To do that, I devised a plan to tackle my shyness head on. Starting immediately, I coerced myself to start conversations with anyone I was around. Subsequently, I realized that beginning conversation with new faces was extremely simple because there was nothing to lose from forming a new relationship with an otherwise benign passerby. Ever since then, I have continued to work tenaciously, so that one day I will have mastered the ability to strike up a no-sweat conversation, with a friend's parents, or even a stranger.

Due to the experiences I have dealt with, I understand the restraint people have when joining or continuing a discussion. To help those who battle their chronic shyness, people should come together and remember that society functions at the highest pinnacle when everyone is working together as a cohesive unit. This means, that in a civilized and sufficient society, no one should be disregarded as a weak link, and everyone should be encouraged to flourish.

Overall, I am extremely glad I experienced my encounter with failure. My setbacks challenged the fixed mentality I dealt with my whole life and helped prove to myself that changing for the better would only aid my possible opportunities and successes in the future.