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November 2009 
Down, Down, Down
Posted on Sep 30th, 2009
by 
FourWinds
FourWinds
It's nothing new when I say that I have trouble trusting myself. Lately in school, I've been feeling a bit down. I don't know if it's because I'm a sophmore and taking classes that are recommended at the junior and senior level, or it's that I feel intimated in a room full of so many bright students. Quite frankly, I admit I'm not the most brightest student around. But that doesn't mean I won't give it my all. Though, it just sucks feeling under the weather for so long.
I've always admired anyone who could think of an answer and articulate his or her response so clearly. It's one of those things I'm striving to improve at because verbal communication isn't my strength. I don't know if people just learn how to speak better in front of audience after several years at college, or if it's just an innate character from person to person.
One last thing I'd like to mention is that I've been noticing how bad my social skills are. As a kid, I guess my best way at getting to know people was through my art. I would help my peers draw their favorite Pokemon, and I always had a problem saying no. I suppose the best way for me to get and know somebody was in my ability to garner their attention through my drawings. In a way, my art did the talking for me. Now, I've been questioning myself on two things: does my art define me, or do I define my art? I mean, if my ability to draw is taken away from me, would I still be able to interract with others? More importantly, would I still be the same person people would want to get to know?
Guess I'll have to ride this one until I find out.
Thinh Nguyen
I've always admired anyone who could think of an answer and articulate his or her response so clearly. It's one of those things I'm striving to improve at because verbal communication isn't my strength. I don't know if people just learn how to speak better in front of audience after several years at college, or if it's just an innate character from person to person.
One last thing I'd like to mention is that I've been noticing how bad my social skills are. As a kid, I guess my best way at getting to know people was through my art. I would help my peers draw their favorite Pokemon, and I always had a problem saying no. I suppose the best way for me to get and know somebody was in my ability to garner their attention through my drawings. In a way, my art did the talking for me. Now, I've been questioning myself on two things: does my art define me, or do I define my art? I mean, if my ability to draw is taken away from me, would I still be able to interract with others? More importantly, would I still be the same person people would want to get to know?
Guess I'll have to ride this one until I find out.
Thinh Nguyen
Access: Public
Hi,
well I won't say, “everything's gonna be just fine”, because lately, I've uncovered “emotional issues” I have connected to hearing those words.
But, what I would say though is, don't stop writing! - at least I have found the value of writing to be immeasurable. Even when I was at my most lowest ebb at Christmas last year, I knew I still had my head, my heart and my words and in the end they pulled me through.
Art is to emotion, what words are to thoughts. Don't worry, you're communicating. You have a strength for expressing yourself through drawing, rather than through words. That is not a weakness. You are the same person regardless of how you express your individuality.
Yes, you will develop talents you did not know you had. That's one of the reasons people go to university. The people around you? Guess what? They are doing the same thing. Your attempts to be more than you are embolden them. Do not be envious, be inspired.
University is not an easy time. Don't be too hard on yourself. Look at it this way. There are a large number of people you might not see again, most of whom are also feeling awkward. Take the opportunity to try expressing yourself in a new way.
Change your role from student to partner in the classroom. You are an adult now. Your teacher and your fellow students deserve your insights as much as you benefit from theirs.
You communicated yourself very well here. I suspect you have already inspired more than you know in your daily life. Be gentle with yourself… You are not all that you will be. Yet.
and, what Devlyn wrote, I am right there too…