As a young girl, I spent a lot of time not making friends because I was so shy. I only talked to people I knew, which was mostly family or family friends. I never really talked in school or to other people I wasn’t introduced to. I was always taught to never talk to strangers. I’ve never been the kind of girl to disobey my parents because I enjoyed when my parents felt proud of me.

Teachers used to try get me to talk but I would just smile and answer as short as possible. I get anxiety talking to people.

As I got older, I had to learn how to speak more often and make friends because I enjoy being around people. When I went to high school, I decided that I needed to quit being so timid and speak up. I had some help from my teachers because they would call on me to answer questions and tell me that I have a wonderful voice that needs to be heard more.

I appreciate my school because the principals are very kind to me. They had an assembly once that changed my mind about being in my timid shell. They asked, “If you were sitting alone and someone sat with you, how would you feel?” That question made me think about my view of the world.

I then signed up for Key Club because I enjoyed that they did charity work and I really wanted to help someone in need. I made friends, introduced myself to people, I volunteered, I joined the musical, and I got involved with the school and community all because of that small little question.

My parents raised me to be a kind-hearted young woman and I showed them that they raised me right. Today, I am still volunteering and joining clubs while encouraging others to be polite to each other and stand up for our school and community all because of my peers.