“It’s really important that you contribute to class discussions every class.”
Did I hear the professor right? It was my first professional writing class—Introduction to Professional Writing—and the professor was explaining that participating in class discussions was vital to achieving a good grade in this course. He informed us that we needed to come to class prepared to be actively involved in conversations about the articles and chapters that he assigned.
“I will have to take away points if you do not participate in the class discussion, so make sure that you say at least two things each class,” he said.
In a moment of panic, I wondered if I had chosen the wrong major. I had decided to study Professional Writing and Information Design (PWID) so that I could learn how to write, edit, and design for people, not talk to them.
I’m not very good at talking to new people. I know, that seems ridiculous. Talking to people is part of life, but for some reason when I walk up to a person I don’t know, it’s as if my tongue grows three sizes too big in my mouth. I have the words that I want to say stored up in my mind, but I get so nervous that when I try to speak, they get tangled up in my mouth. My social strategy has always been to just smile, nod, and listen. Normally if I don’t open my mouth, I can save myself from embarrassment. Unfortunately, it seemed like I wouldn’t be able to simply sit back, smile, and nod in this course.
Day two of intro to professional writing came, and I listened as a few students volleyed back and forth—sharing ideas, laughing, and keeping the discussion going. Everyone in the class seemed nice enough, but I still felt anxious. I began to rehearse my answer to the question in my head, repeating the words over and over in my mind. What if they didn’t like what I had to say? What if I said it all wrong? What if I literally just froze and said nothing at all? I felt my heart beat rapidly in my chest, and a lump formed in my throat. I was sure that my cheeks were bright red, and yet, suddenly, I heard myself start to speak. Fifteen students and one professor stared back at me as I opened my mouth to give my answer. I tried to ignore how nervous I felt with everyone listening to me, but all I could think was, Do they notice that I’m stumbling through my words? Can they hear my heart thumping?
To my surprise, once I had finished my comment, people nodded. Another student even agreed with what I had said and smiled back at me. While I’m sure my classmates don’t even remember that moment now, their nods of encouragement and sweet smiles made my introverted heart feel so much more comfortable and confident.
As my professors continued to encourage me to interact with my classmates through class discussions, activities, group projects, and even the annual spring trip, I became even more comfortable speaking up and getting to know my classmates. I even wanted to participate in class. I looked forward to conversations with my peers about their passions and dreams. I came to love spending time with them while analyzing documents or drawing social media strategies on the whiteboard. Very quickly, my classmates had become some of my closest friends.
PWID has given me so much. It has provided me with tools for all types of writing and design work. It has prepared me to go into an interview with confidence, poise, and a portfolio that I’m proud of. But the most valuable thing that my major has given me is a family of talented designers, writers, and editors. Not only can I call on one of my PWID pals when I need a second opinion on a blog post or design advice for an infographic, but I can always go to them when I need a friend to laugh with or a shoulder to cry on.
I still don’t love class discussions. I still feel my hands shake and my heart beat faster when I speak out loud, but I definitely feel more comfortable participating in class because I know and love my classmates.
Yes, PWID is a major, but it is also a community of friends. And I will forever be thankful that it became both for me.
