Knowledge in the Context of the Classroom

As I have been getting accustomed to being back in regular classes I have picked up on patterns that I thought had been long gone since my middle school days. An unfortunate side effect of being in such a mixed crowd of fellow classmates has resurfaced for me, which is that I feel the need to stay quiet and reserved to allow more knowledgeable students respond to questions posed in my classes before me. I know I understand the material, and could answer before them still getting the same results, but one can’t help but feel intimidated at times in such a competitive environment, especially in my more creatively demanding classes. It is a tough spot to be in for sure, but this intimidation will only improve with time and practice. As a creative it is my responsibility to crawl out of this headspace in order to proceed with anything I do. Without feedback and critiques, there can be no improvement or progress, and whenever I participate in class as part of a discussion it is important that my voice is heard, that my opinions or ideas are stated. Even the ideas I believe are unworthy or useless. You can’t grow by staying silent and docile.