Certain milestone events are engraved in detailed memories carved into stone. My epiphany of overcoming my insecurity was not one of those moments. In fact, to this day I do not quite know exactly what it was that helped me overcome the internal battle over myself.
I was never the most out-going person that spoke eloquently when introduced to new people. Often I would sit silently through an entire conversation while friends around me made new acquaintances. More than once I would be asked in a teasing tone, “Don’t you speak?” I would just smile and bite my tongue, still not confident enough to speak to new people. I was not necessarily shy, around friends I was always seen as the talkative one, but around strangers I was someone completely different. When I was offered exciting opportunities, the same invisible muffle coerced me into silence. …show more content…
Dolter, the teacher in charge of the school’s club, asked us whether anyone would be interested in participating in an event named R.Y.L.A, a youth leadership camp sponsored by Rotary. Immediately I knew I wanted to go -to experience and learn what they would offer. But the chains of doubt weighed me down. What it I would not fit in? No one else from my school would be able to go -there was only one spot. Throughout the rest of the meeting, I fought an intense tug-a-war with myself. Should I go or not? When the meeting concluded, my feet seemed to have grown impatient with my conflicted thoughts and carried me to Mr. Dolter. Bracing my fears, I gave one good tug at the shackles holding me prisoner; I expressed my