Finding My Voice by Kayla

Finding My Voice by Kayla - May 2026 Scholarship Essay

One challenge that I once found very intimidating was speaking up in class, especially during group discussions or when presenting ideas in front of others. Even when I knew the answer or had something to contribute, I often stayed quiet because I would overthink how my words might be judged. At the time, even small moments like being called on by a teacher felt stressful and overwhelming. A big part of what made it so difficult was the fear of being wrong or sounding unintelligent in front of my peers. I would rehearse answers in my head but hesitate to actually say them out loud. This often led me to miss opportunities to participate, which made me feel even less confident over time. I also struggled with eye contact and felt very aware of how others were perceiving me, which added to the pressure in social or academic settings.

Over time, this challenge began to feel more manageable as I slowly exposed myself to situations that required participation. Instead of avoiding speaking altogether, I started making small efforts like answering simple questions or preparing my thoughts before class discussions. I also learned to focus more on the content of what I was saying rather than how I thought I appeared to others. Writing down key points before speaking helped me feel more organized and less anxious about forgetting my thoughts mid sentence. Another important change was realizing that most people are not analyzing my performance as closely as I assumed. This helped reduce the pressure I placed on myself. As I gained more experience speaking up, each small success made the next attempt easier. Over time, what once felt intimidating started to feel routine and manageable, even if it still requires effort.

Now, while speaking in front of others is not something I do without thought, it is no longer something I avoid. I can contribute in class discussions, share ideas when needed, and handle presentations with more confidence than before. This experience taught me that discomfort can lessen with practice and that growth often comes from repeatedly facing situations that once felt difficult.