I used to be afraid of asking questions in class because I had a fear of being seen.
The problem wasn't being seen. The problem was being seen as someone who didn't get it.
Then I understood something deeper: I wasn't afraid of the question itself. I was afraid of being perceived through their lens. I wasn't truly believing in myself.
Once I saw that, I started asking the question anyway — and let them think whatever they wanted. Their lens was never mine to carry.
Have you felt this before?