I came into the university quietly. Not because I had nothing to say, but because my words always needed time. Around me, friendships formed easily—names learned in a day, laughter shared without effort. I watched from a distance, unsure of where to stand or when to speak.
Shyness followed me into lecture halls and crowded walkways. It made simple conversations feel heavy and introductions feel like exams I hadn’t prepared for. Sometimes I blended into the background, hoping someone would notice without me having to ask.
There were days I felt alone even in a crowd. Days I questioned myself. But I’m learning that being shy doesn’t mean being invisible. It means feeling deeply, choosing words carefully, and waiting for connections that are real.
Maybe my friendships will come slowly. Maybe they will be fewer. But I believe they will be meaningful—and when they come, they will stay