I’ve been “the quiet kid in class” for as long as I can remember.
I tend to be reserved when I’m around people I don't know that well. I’ve always preferred listening to talking. I love stories and books because you can make all kinds of friends without even having to say a word. Now, that being said, I’m not terrified of humans (most days), nor do I wake up in cold sweats having dreamt I was called on in class.
I rather like being called on—in any class but math—because usually I have something interesting to add, or at least I’d like to think so. I believe all the time I spend listening and pondering other’s perspectives in the discussion gives me a pretty well-rounded view of the subject. I don’t blurt out every single thought I have. I go over all the facts and wait to speak until I’ve formed a coherent, knowledgeable thought or idea or question that could actually progress the class, not distract it or lead off on a winding tangent. And no, I’m not afraid of participating in school or life.
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I don’t chime in every time I have one little thought, but that doesn’t mean I’m cripplingly shy or letting my personality hold me back. I just wait until I really have a useful idea for the class, and then I chime in. I simply don’t feel the need to express every non-sequitur that pops into my brain. Although every time I do try to speak, I’m not always heard; I’m a rather quiet person by nature. My normal voice could be considered an acceptable whisper to some. I’m not saying I speak for every single not-so-vocal kid in the classroom, but from my experience, here are ten things you’ve probably experienced if you’re “the quiet kid.”
1. Your answers get stolen all the time.
You say the correct answer, and the person in front of you repeats it, only louder. Awesome. They get the brownie points from the teacher. That’s just fine. Good thing loudness isn't a factor on the test.
2. You can baffle people with a single word.
When you actually speak up in class or make a sarcastic comment that only your friend was supposed to hear, everybody reacts like they just found out their dog could talk. Yes, hello. I’m still a human.
3. You're fought over for group projects.
4. Everyone just assumes you're a genius.
When you think about it, that's an odd assumption to make. The kid who rarely participates is the smartest one? That's a weird stereotype. Maybe they've seen too many high school movies. Or maybe it's because they've heard all the other kids' opinions and assume there's got to be better out there. Who knows?
5. You hardly ever get a tardy.
This is one of the many perks of being able to slip in unnoticed. Although, I have been called to the office for skipping class even though I was there. The teacher just didn’t notice me and marked me absent. That was an awkward conversation.
6. People are shocked when you know things about them.
Yes, I was in class when you told that story about your weekend in Cancún. And when you told everyone about the time you accidentally knocked out all your sister's teeth. I have ears, you know. I also have a mouth; I just chose not to use it all the time.
7. You're anything but quiet with your family and best friends.
8. You tend to make friends with both outgoing and shy kids.
You can understand and relate to quiet, shy kids. You can obsess over the greatest new book series, debate the pros and cons of the first female Doctor and whisper together in the back of class. On the other hand, outgoing kids intrigue you; new is fun and different. Plus, opposites attract.
9. You tend to get along with most of your teachers, as well.
If you're not interrupting their class, distracting other students or being disrespectful, most teachers will love you. You may sit in the back, but you pay attention. You usually know the answer when you're called on, and you prove your knowledge on the tests. You're doing enough to keep them happy.
10. You're so much more than "the quiet kid."
You may be quiet in class, but there's so much more to you than that. You may be the fastest kid on the track team, the loudest trumpet in the band or the most creative painter in the art club. You can't be summed up by "the quiet kid" stereotype, and those who are important will remember you for more than that.
