By a show of hands, who here has ever heard the name Joshua Faris?-áThat many, huh?-á I can't say that I'm surprised.-áThe truth is, it's completely understandable.-á
For you see, I'm the kind of guy who stays to himself, trying hard to blend-áin with the environment like a human chameleon.-áMy daily routine goes something like this: I wake up, I stay in my room, I go to class, then I come back and stay in my room.-á
Now, don't-áthink it's because I'm some sort of snob.-áTruth-áis, I'm afflicted by a severe case of shyness.-áI say "afflicted" because it is something that I have to live with and struggle through every day of my life.-áThe Center for Effective Parenting states that shyness "can be defined as a fear of, or withdrawal from, other people or social situations."-á-á -á-á
Shyness causes a person to feel uncomfortable, self-conscious, scared, nervous, or insecure around others. When people feel shy, they hold back on saying or doing things because they are concerned about how others might respond. -á
According to a report done by the Palo Alto Medical Foundation, more than 40 percent of teens and adults in America today consider themselves shy.-áThere are, of course, several different kinds of shyness. -á-á
Mild shyness might make some people blush and want to crawl under their desk when they say something silly in class.
However, in extreme cases of shyness, it can interfere with a person's ability to answer in class at all. Being shy may be a part of a person's hard-wiring, but sometimes being too quiet in class can compromise your grades and the way that your teacher sees you.-á -á-á
All in all, attending a college or university such as Ball State University is quite difficult for someone with an acute case of shyness. For many years, this University has had to live down-áthe dreadful reputation of being a party school, and while the university has tried somewhat successfully to outlive that reputation, socialization still remains a key factor if you want to succeed and prosper in everyday campus life.-á
Now, I know I am not really one who should be giving advice but I would simply say don't-ágive up and keep fighting.-á
By hiding our heads in the sand, we are missing out on many of the good things in life. There is a whole world outside your dorm room door and many people out there are searching for a friend just like you.-áIf you are shy, the key to overcoming shyness is surrounding yourself with good people. Whatever you do, though, don't seal yourself away in some sort of metaphorical shell as I have in the past. -á-á
Let's get over ourselves and realize that it's okay-áto leave our comfort zone every once in a while, people are not judging us as harshly as we often believe.-á
If the power of positive thinking is still not enough, then forget about your pride and seek the help of a professional.
Now if you will excuse me, I really should be wrapping things up; I have a five o'clock psychiatric appointment with Dr. Pendergrass and believe me, I've got a lot to tell him. -á-á
"Yes, doctor, I do blame it all on my father ..."
Joshua Faris is a senior journalism and creative writing major and writes 'Living the College Life' for the Daily News. His views do not necessarily agree with those of the newspaper.
Write to Joshua at jsfaris@bsu.edu.
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