<p>so all my life i've been shy and i'm afraid that it's holding me back. </p>
<p>i really like debate and politics, and i want to major in american studies and possibly go to law school, but i'm not sure i have the personality. once i'm comfortable around people, i consider myself rather competent in these areas, but i struggle with "putting myself out there." i'm always so afraid other people won't like me lol</p>
<p>it stinks that i can't just like research or something that's better suited for my personality (and i've tried to do this), but my interests are my interests; i wish i could change them.</p>
<p>does anyone else have a similar dilemma? or do you think that, since it's not my personality, then it's just not meant to be? (don't wanna sound cheesy)</p>
<p>I’m very shy and I want to be a teacher/professor of some kind. It’s not quite the same, but I’d have to speak in public every day. Talking to a group of people is actually easier for me than a one-on-one conversation, though.</p>
<p>it’s all kind of difficult for me. talking to a large group of people might be a little bit easier, since i don’t have to focus on one person and whether or not he or she likes me. my voice is also kind of quiet lol, but i can make a conscious effort to speak louder. i’m not afraid to express my ideas, it’s just this annoying personality trait i struggle with</p>
<p>plus i have mental health issues, and i consider myself mostly stable (avoided in patient), but who in politics or law ever has mental health issues? i think people in those professions are supposed to be very stable :(</p>
<p>and most of EC’s have been about science and math (cancer research with a prof, math club, etc.), in effort to force myself to like what is best for me, but i have went to a summer politics program and i’m in a political club</p>
<p>@halcyonheather, hahahahah!! that was funny! but they’re “stable.” i mean, lots are power hungry and self-centered, but they don’t really have actual mental illnesses (though nixon may have had delusional disorder…)</p>
<p>and, because, i feel like those careers are better suited for shy people. plus the whole crazy scientist stereotype (not that all scientists are crazy. no, definitely not).</p>
<p>Some people have this dilemma. When they come close to some people they can’t find words. it’s not shyness. I am not sure how to label it.</p>
<p>but I have seen some kids around me. They are not “shy” but act in that way. when I found out that they are butthearts, that made me uncomfortable around them. They are certainly not shy.</p>
<p>another thing. You need to fix your attitude. It’s high school life forum and people here in this group joke with each other. and stop making comments like:</p>
<p>There are many people in high profile professions who have mental illness. People with bipolar disorder, for instance, are often some of the brightest, most driven, and successful people. My college roommate’s dad started a huge, successful law firm, and he has bipolar. So it IS possible. Don’t limit yourself. Work hard to remediate your weaknesses, and make the most of your strengths and passions. </p>
<p>Also, if you choose your college carefully, you might find that it is very different (better) for you socially than high school. The level of maturity is higher, so there is much less of the comparing and conforming. It is easier to be yourself and be appreciated for it. It’s also easier to find people you fit with. Good luck!</p>