I love to learn. I love to participate. I love to help.
It's a great feeling to be in class, and absorb so much knowledge while I share it with others. But the feeling quickly goes away. I am hushed by those who hate that I talk. It's a silent battle I go through every day, and it's time to let it out.
Suddenly everything I do irritates others. Online, in the halls, in class; I am judged at every angle. From walking funny, talking stupid, being fat, or just breathing in general.
In class, I shrink away slowly. The knot in my throat grows bigger. My eyes begin to water, but I quickly wipe them clean. My head fills with thoughts: "Will I get yelled at for saying this?" "Am I even allowed to whisper?" I answer all the questions in my head and fear helping others.
Nobody notices what happens -- not the teachers, not my peers: no one, but me. I can hear them behind me as I walk to class, "Look she can't even walk right." They post about me online. They might not use my name, but I know it's about me. I know this happens, even if nobody else does.