Hi there,
I can completely relate to you.
When I started university in my first year, I was an introvert, a shy, self-conscious individual with social anxiety (and still am). We'd usually be asked to introduce ourselves at the start of each semester and, although this can be done seated, the thought of just saying my name, where I'm from and what my favourite animal is etc, made me shiver top to bottom and all sweaty and nervous. I'd try to collate a sentence in my head before I say it, but when I say it aloud it all just sounded like gibberish and I can never stop stuttering and always find it embarrassing. All I wanted to say is that you're not the only one. I really would love to be there next to you and tell you that, despite your timid personality, you can still do this.
For me, it all changed when I told myself that most of the people just won't even care how you are and even if they judge you, they don't really know the true you until they've actually had a proper conversation with you. You can be shy and quite but still be a likeable person. Not everyone likes extroverts anyways, despite their confident, which I envy.
By changing my mindset, I had the confidence to ask a group of friends if I could hang out with them, and since then I have not regretted. I also took the opportunity to participate in various projects, become a student ambassador and even took the initiative to become a committee member.
All I want to say is that it's alright to feel how you're feeling, but you also mentioned that it has made you a stronger person and even if I don't know you, I am honestly so proud of you! 😀
I hope this helps.
Best wishes,
Narusha
Coventry University Student Ambassador