I don’t remember where I heard it, but someone said that our introvert or extrovert status is determined by how we recharge. By this, they meant that extroverts consider a dinner party with 15 people as rest, and introverts (like myself) need to be left completely alone to delve into hobbies that piece them back together.

Since beginning my degree in media, I have felt out of place. Not necessarily like I don’t belong, but moreso that I have a different personality compared to the people who make something out of their degree.

As an introvert, I have struggled to make friends in class because I take my time warming up to people. I could spend a whole semester in the same class with someone, but it’s only towards the end that I start to feel more comfortable around them. Then, the rug is well and truly ripped out from underneath our newly formed friendship, and we move on and start new classes.

Extroverts stand out in the crowd, whereas you have to look a bit deeper into introverts to find that their ideas and opinions are just as valuable. I praise the introverts who move their way into a job where putting yourself and your thoughts out into the world matters. Creating and showcasing your personal brand is important in media, but it’s also incredibly terrifying.

I have learnt early on to exude confidence. It is a mask I wear to make it from day to day. I try to be warm and start conversations, but I am usually deeply uncomfortable. Sometimes I wonder why I chose a degree that is based solely on communicating with people, but it’s too late to start going down that rabbit hole.

For me, confidence is a learned skill. I am getting better with it, but I still struggle.

I will persevere with my extrovert mask until one day I can finally take it off.