Worrying With Questions

While some worry about asking stupid questions in class or work, I worry about every single question I could ever ask. No matter the situation, I worry. I could just be asking my mom a question and think to myself “Is this stupid to ask?” It’s a constant battle in my mind wondering, “Is this dumb? Will people look at me weird? Will I get made fun of for not knowing?” I know a lot of people can struggle with the same gross, anxiety feeling when it comes to asking questions. I’ve personally dealt with it forever.

The constant worry about looking dumb, actually made it so I feel dumber. I have gone many times not asking questions in class out of fear. I try to figure it out on my own, or ask people I’m close to knowing they won’t judge. It causes more stress for me because I end up not knowing what I’m doing. There have been many assignments, especially in English class, where I really felt stupid for not understanding. The teachers aren’t going to know I’m struggling unless I ask for help. It has affected the way school is for me. I’d rather stay quiet than ask a question that could clear up all my confusion, because of my fear of looking dumb in front of my peers. I’m afraid of being looked down upon just for asking a silly question.

While I’ve always felt dumb for asking questions, I don’t think that there is such a thing as a stupid question. Everyone has the fear of asking for help, or looking dumb. Everyone also learns at their own pace. I could have more questions in one class than another, and someone else could be the opposite. I personally feel as if I learn better when asking questions. There will be things we understand, and things we don’t. Even if it’s not school related, it’s still okay. Being curious about things isn’t bad at all. I think if you are able to ask questions it makes you smarter. If you just act like you know everything, you aren’t actually learning. I can’t even remember a time I’ve asked a question and had someone make fun of me for it. I don’t know where the fear comes from, but it’s there. It’s been there for as long as I can remember. Asking questions helps me learn. I will not ask and just completely put off stuff I have questions on. It causes me more harm than good. I feel anxious and stressed thinking about asking something in front of the class.

So no, most of the time I don’t ask questions. But when I do, it really benefits me. Teachers usually understand that it is your first time learning new things. From my personal experience, teachers appreciate it more when you ask for help. They have never been judgmental towards me. Once you get the courage to ask the question, you realize it isn’t that serious. Seeing people around me ask questions makes me realize this. Some other people may be wondering the same thing. It’s always been a struggle for me to not speak up and ask questions, until now. I am going to change the way I view asking for help. I think everyone gets worried. But I need to realize progress won’t come unless I am asking for the help I need. Once you are able to get over the fear you will realize it does help. No one is going to remember one question I asked one time. I’m learning to understand that myself. There aren’t dumb or smart questions, we all need to learn at our own pace and respect that with everyone.

“Third-grade girl raises hand” by All4Ed is licensed under CC BY-NC 2.0.