Lately my teacher has been harassing me about not speaking in class enough and publicly calling me out and forcing me to say something when I do not have anything to contribute. It just makes me sad to see how our society has come to value only outgoing, loquacious people and I just want to grab a shovel out of the tool shed and repeatedly hit my teacher over the head till he gets the message. I know participation is part of school, but its come to the point where I feel like I'm drowning.

I don’t think there’s anything wrong with not being outgoing. I’m the same way, and I think it’s ridiculous that teachers assume quiet students are not participating in class.

You can participate simply by listening. You don’t have to speak in order to participate.

So I feel for you.

By the way, I’ve written several prose pieces about shyness, if you’d like to read them:

http://writingsforwinter.tumblr.com/post/38038630809/on-being-considered-shy

http://writingsforwinter.tumblr.com/post/45558716531/on-being-alone-but-not-being-lonely

http://writingsforwinter.tumblr.com/post/38921770953/on-not-being-able-to-say-i-love-you

http://writingsforwinter.tumblr.com/post/41926385000/on-loneliness-and-the-powers-of-observation

http://writingsforwinter.tumblr.com/post/40581362142/how-to-skip-the-party-and-stay-home-instead

They might help you feel better. xo

P.S. From another anon: “To the anon that is being publicly called out by their teacher. The next time your teacher makes a comment to you about participating I think you should tell them exactly what you have said, and what you think about society only valuing outgoing talkative people, and that just because you are quiet does not mean you are not participating. I might leave out the part about the shovel though.” ;)