Yeah, I’ve been there. First year, I asked what I thought was a genuine question in a packed lecture hall and a few people laughed — not even because it was funny, but just to look cool or show off. That one moment made me shut down for weeks. I stopped raising my hand, even when I was completely lost. I’d go back to my room feeling stupid, wondering if maybe I just didn’t belong. It messed with my confidence, honestly. But with time, I realized that staying quiet wasn’t helping me pass. I started approaching lecturers after class or finding small group discussions where I felt safer speaking up. Eventually, I stopped caring about those few who laugh — turns out, most students actually respect someone brave enough to ask what many are also wondering. Now, I even help others feel comfortable asking too, because I know how bad it feels to keep questions trapped inside.

Yeah, I’ve been there. First year, I asked what I thought was a genuine question in a packed lecture hall and a few people laughed — not even because it was funny, but just to look cool or show off. That one moment made me shut down for weeks. I stopped raising my hand, even when I was completely lost. I’d go back to my room feeling stupid, wondering if maybe I just didn’t belong. It messed with my confidence, honestly. But with time, I realized that staying quiet wasn’t helping me pass. I started approaching lecturers after class or finding small group discussions where I felt safer speaking up. Eventually, I stopped caring about those few who laugh — turns out, most students actually respect someone brave enough to ask what many are also wondering. Now, I even help others feel comfortable asking too, because I know how bad it feels to keep questions trapped inside.