<p>(Parent here) I used to be pathologically shy about talking in class. I went to a state flagship university for my undergrad, and in 4 years, never once spoke in class. For my masters, I went to a small LAC. You can’t hide at LACs; sooner or later, you’ll have to give a presentation or participate in a discussion.</p>
<p>And yet I can’t tell you how glad I am that I went to that LAC. It changed my life. My shyness was a handicap, and still would be today. In your post-college life, virtually any career you choose will sooner or later involve speaking to groups of people – presentations, awards luncheons, even staff meetings. If you go through life (as I might have) avoiding anything that might require speaking, your options are going to be severely limited. It’s a life-skill that everyone needs to have, and college is the perfect place to learn it.</p>
<p>As one who’s been there, I know how scary that is. I encourage you to confront it. And know that you’re not alone; did you know that the number 1 fear of Americans is public speaking? So when you’re sitting there, praying that the prof won’t call on you, remember that most of your fellow students feel exactly the same.</p>
<p>So I urge you to jump into the LAC pond. By the time you graduate, you’ll have overcome this and you won’t believe how free you will feel.</p>