I attend community college. I’m an incredibly shy, socially awkward person who can’t handle the slightest bit of attention on myself (From turning red and swallowing my own tongue to full blown crying while frozen in place). I isolate myself in all my classes, but I love to learn. I want to participate, ask questions, and discuss things but I’m too scared. Instead I fall behind because I’m too focused on hiding from my professors. I don’t know how to fix my fear but I want to be comfortable.

Have you tried talking to your professors?  Be up front with them about this.  There may also be supports within your school to help you through your anxiety.  I’m not familiar with community colleges, but if there isn’t any supports in your school, you may have to look for some on your own.  Try to think of all of your educational experience as the participation part and that your challenge in learning is getting through that.  Try challenging yourself a little bit at a time.  Perhaps one day you make eye contact for a little bit and the next day you ask your professor a question at the end of class, and build from there.  Good luck!

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