Some experiences we wish wouldn't have happened to us
In the eighth grade, my reading teacher had each student read out loud for about 10 minutes. I was in the top reading group, so there was no question as to whether I could read or not. When it was my group's turn, I'd sit in my desk like an animal trapped in a cage. My heart would beat so loudly just anticipating being called upon to read. I was sure my neighbors could hear it. I would fight the "fight or flight" syndrome that would build up inside me-- how easy it might be to just get up and walk out! But I never did. I'd struggle through the eternity of those 10 minutes. To my classmates' credit, there was little or no teasing, but it didn't matter. I was filled with self-loathing and embarrassment that I couldn't read out loud.