A Life Worth Telling: The Shy Little Girl That Refuses to be Seen

Growing up, I was the little girl who preferred to be seen in the background rather than standing in front of her own spotlight. However, life had its own funny way to push us towards our full potential, even if we tried our best to be hidden away from the pavement. As I look back at the older version of me, my journey was surely filled with a constant battle between self-doubt and the courage that I have longed for, which transformed me into who I am now. My childhood was filled with shyness that was ingrained in my core that cost me countless opportunities that walked past me. It held me back from participating in activities where tons of eyes would watch me because of that overwhelming fear of judgment that creeps within me. I spent my day trying my best to not be noticed by people around me, yet no matter how much I ran from that spotlight, someone saw and believed in the potential I have. Despite my constant hesitations, my English teacher constantly encourages me to let everyone hear that voice and encouraged me to join spoken word poetry every year.

Standing in front of that crowd felt terrifying, and every time my mind gets in me, it makes me buckle over my words on stage. To make this experience even harder for me, while I was standing in front of the stage, I witnessed a heartbreaking scene to watch as one of my competitors silently did a celebratory gesture over my mistake with her mom, making me feel that my failure was even more public and painful as the quietness roared in my ears. Regardless of my performance, my parents always show up, as they took a day off work just to cheer and celebrate for me, even if there was no victory to celebrate. Their support became my anchor and pushed me to believe in myself and to channel out my inner courage that gave me strength to get back onto that stage. Their unwavering support paid off as I won 3rd place in the poetry competition I had in 3rd grade. Their support steadied me as I fought off the battle I had inside me. I proved myself wrong and showed everyone what I was capable of achieving.

Even after that victory, shyness still tries to consume me and becomes a hindrance to the opportunities given to me; it felt like I am held captivate in the invisible cage shyness placed me in. I was afraid to step out of that comfort zone I hid myself in; it made me feel safe and comfortable to the point that growth felt like swords that would end me. However, the pivotal turning point that happened in my life was during my 10th grade. As I realized how much I had let fear consume the core of me, I made a decision to step out of that invisible cage and run for a public relations coordinator for the student council of our school. It has taught me to show my voice to my fellow students, as it helped me to show the confidence I had that I kept on suppressing over the years, allowing me to open my doors for opportunities given to me. From campaigning and speaking in front of my fellow students to coordinating with the stakeholders and suppliers for events of our school, it has taught me to be comfortable as the spotlight gently brushes my body. I have learned to be myself and to be the voice of the student body.

Today, as I look back at those experiences, they have shaped me into becoming as ambitious and adaptable as I am now, refusing to let fear hold me back again. From that shy girl who once stumbled over her speeches to an individual who embraces her flaws, challenges, mistakes, and values with her as she strives towards her personal growth. As my journey continues, I carry the deepest gratitude to my family and to the people who have guided me and supported me as I slowly step into the spotlight. I aspire to become a confident corporate professional and a leader who uses her voice to make a positive impact for others. This journey has taught me that our lives must not settle for our quietest days, as this is just a beginning for us to chase the impossible and to live life to the fullest within the loudness of the world.