When I was 16 I was in the honors society in HS and taking college writing.
I worked for weeks on an essay regarding the socioeconomic policies of Scandinavia.
Maybe the teacher thought I was a commie I don't know, but he traumatized me.
He basically said to the class that this is total garbage with no redeeming value.
I went to his house for a honor's society holiday party.
I asked him if I fixed his electric train if he'd give me a B so I could go to the University.
He agreed.
It wasn't until I took a writing class at a local college 6 years after my entrance to the University of Washington that I got my first A on a legitimate essay.
Timid? yes.
Afraid? It's not whether or if you're afraid in my opinion. It's how you deal with that energy.
Thanks and community for being you.