Cool Confidence

Dear Journal,

I’ve had my fair share of embarrassing moments, but I can usually chalk it up to being kind of a klutz. But today I had a different kind of embarrassing moment. I raised my hand to give an answer in Ms. Rodriguez’s class—and I was totally wrong! How embarrassing! I could feel my face turn red, and I’m pretty sure Ms. R noticed because she asked me to stay a few minutes after class. She explained that giving a wrong answer in class is nothing to be embarrassed about. It happens. She said she would much rather have someone raise her hand and give the wrong answer than not raise her hand at all. She said it’s all about confidence. I still felt pretty bad, though.

Confidence—that’s something I really want to work on this year at school. I know I do well on tests and essays and things like that, but I’m always hesitant to share my work with other kids. Sometimes, Ms. Rodriguez and my other teachers ask us to get up in front of the class to share something we’ve written. I always feel queasy before something like that—not only because I’m a total klutz, but I always think, what if people think my work is dumb? I know Anna and Joline—the reigning Queens of Mean—will snicker no matter what I do, but it always feels like a leap of faith when I share my work with others. I'll just have to practice taking that leap, won't I? Especially if I want to be a writer.

you tell us ...

Do you feel confident enough to raise your hand or get up in front of the class to share your work?

Your friend,

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Comments (365)

groovygirl91 writes:

	To tell the truth, I may be REALLY outgoing, but in the classroom, I can barely share an answer when we are going over homework!Which is also why I NEVER will raise my hand in the classroom, wheater I know the answer or not!

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7lilgill7 writes:

Well when I go up to say what we write in English papers I have so much fun! I say all the different characters in a different voice so everyone laughs and enjoys my writeing! Charlotte maybe you should try having fun and not worry what everyone thinks of you! Who cares what others think of you just have fun!

Thanks! That's great advice. Sometimes, it makes things a lot easier if you put a little humor in your life, doesn't it?

Your friend,

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inkeeper56 writes:

	I have NO trouble sharing my work or getting up infront of people and doing those kinds of things.I love sharing my work infront of the class and showing the teacher or teachers I can do a good job or answer correctly or even show off the pieces or answer I got.

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harrison1001 writes:

	hi ev1 im new so wat do i do

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bluesea214 writes:

	One time, I raised my hand to answer a question about my weakest subject... math! My answer was way off, and everyone else started laughing so hard that one person could barely stand up, and when she finally did, she knocked over 3 people! Cool -- I'll bet everyone forgot all about you in the ruckus! Your friend,

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Dahia1 writes:

	i feel confedent in class, because my math & scince teacher said if you ask questions,you get smarter & smarter.

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purplerox7 writes:

	Dear BSG, In english we are writing poems, I personaly think I'm a pretty good writer but when I get called on 2 read my poems I freeze, and I totally mess up. how can I boost my confidense? Your friend, Purplerox7 I sometimes have the same problem! What do you think, Club BSGers? Any ideas for me and my friend, Purplerox7! Your friend,

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7lilgill7 writes:

	Yeah! I love to share my mind! Everything I write in school I love to share even if they don't like it I do! So who cares what others think of you! You be you speak what you like and do what is best in you! If you don't think it is a cool thing than dont do it but if you like it it is so much fun to say what you wrote!

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beaconstreetfan23 writes:

	It depends with me.... im kinda the person that is always changing her mind! Because sometimes i mind if i have to get up in the front of my class to say my report... But i dont usually mind singing in front of the whole school and more in choir!

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Miley_Ramsey writes:

	Yes, I want to be a writer as well, i love writing in class and sharing what i wrote, it just makes me....me.

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littlerollergirl writes:

	Yes i do . I just think that it will be over soon . and school will be to and i can see my family and my 3 pets . i love my life

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littlerollergirl writes:

	Do you guys fell werid around you crush. I kind of do.

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Baby Gal writes:

	As long I don't have 2 stand up, I'd be honored 2.

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hotshot96 writes:

	OMG,Never ever would I think about it.

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yayamarjie writes:

Yes, I do feel confident to raise my hand in class. I mean why not. My teachers give you like extra credit for doing it. And I do go up and share my work but i do get kind of freaked out. But I still do it. And for those of you who said ur class started laughing, ask them why didn't they come up in front of the class. And dont give them time to answer just say... "thats what I thought"!!! It works EVERY time. I hope my advice will help you.

If you try it tell me how it goes.

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schootch writes:

	I like sharing my work because it gives me confidance.

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allegra474743 writes:

	You should watch Le Roi Soleil. please do it.

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xox11jaymee writes:

	There was this really easy question which was:What is the capital of the United States...and I said New York..everyone laughed and my face turned bright red...but i got over it

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id_rather_b_dancing writes:

	normally im fine, except one time, i was playing the piano, and whenever i do, i forget about everything around me, but then i snapped back into reality one time during a recital and messed up and was so embarrassed! do you have any advice in case this does happen again??? Thanks!!!!!!!!!

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wizkid52 writes:

	Sure! I'm a born writer/performer! I'd loove to be in a movie someday! i'm in the school play!

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abby_bsg writes:

	Hi! I love your book there off the hook!

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BabyK writes:

i like raising my hand to talk because it gets me good grades when i participate. I once got the wrong answer and the whole class started laughing really hard and loud. at that same time my crush walked in with a note for my teacher, and he saw my face turn tomato red!! i wanted to throw up! smilies/cry.gif

Dear BabyK,

Oooh... tomato red. I know that color well. My face turns red, too! You're right -- participating in class DOES get you better grades. I can't let a little embarrassment bring my grades down!

Your friend,

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vanna21 writes:

	Dear Charlotte I feel confident when I rasie my hand but sometimes i forget what I was going to say and i sit right by the teacher what a imberrising thing ha!!!!

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jackiejacks writes:

	Yes! I like to raise my hand and share my knowlage with other kids, even if I'm wrong. Mistakes are the best way to learn, after all. And in things like writing, there's no wrong answer...so stay cool, be confident, and show what you know! Dear jackiejacks, That's GREAT advice. Thanks! Your friend,

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kaitlinisfamouss writes:

	i raise my hand alot but for someone reason i have a problem with public speaking its relllly hard for me!

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ems15 writes:

	sometimes i am, but now I have to be because i am singing in front of my whole school. I love the BSG!!!!!!!!!!

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heartlessangel writes:

My friend krissy had an embarrassing moment when she was at skool because she finally had the courage to talk to her crush and when she did she was sitting in the cafeteria talking to him and then some random girl threw a carrot with lots of ranch dressing on it and it hit her in the head!!!! It ws so emabarrassing smilies/kiss.gif

Dear heartlessangel,

Ooooh! That's rough. I feel so sorry for your friend! You (and she) should check out my journal entry this month. It's all about mortifying moments in front of your crush!

Your friend,

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dancergirl9 writes:

	Sometimes I am confident, sometimes I am not.

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gmeam writes:

	my body and face get frozen when my crush looks @ my and i feel loke i am in a room of bee's!! LOL LOL Ellie

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chickadee writes:

Yes and that's because I usally have the right answer {not trying to show off} and because even when I don't my teachers are really nice about it. I do get nervous in front of crowds but at school when I make a presentation I just try to think of everybody as my equal and that we are all nervous.

Dear chickadee,

That's great advice. Just think of everyone as your equal -- even people like the Queens of Mean who think they're ABOVE everyone else. Guess what -- they're not!

Your friend,

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skywrighter writes:

	i often raise my hand and when i share my answer she said it was completly off what we were talking about but every one in my class agread i wes totley on topic!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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skywrighter writes:

sometimes in my class the teacher comes down so hard on me i go to the bathroom and cry all reases and when i get back to class everyone cane tell i've been crying and asks if something is wrong i just want to die. no one should be worry about my problems when they have their own!!!!!!!!

Dear skywrighter,

It sounds like school isn't a very happy place for you. This is something you should talk to your parents about. They can help you figure out how to fix your problems -- and how to enjoy your recess time!

Your friend,

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Averebelle writes:

	I know some people might feel awful about sharing their work ,but you should be more spirited because CONFIDENCE builds SELF-ESTEEM and SELF-ESTEEM builds CONFIDENCE

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elic9 writes:

	Yes becuase I like to particapait in class so that i can get good grades. next year I need good grades so that I can be in the batta club!

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chocolatte writes:

Sometimes I'm kind of nervous about going up in front of the class. But I do the best I can and hope I don't get sick! I get nervous pretty easy because I'm kind of shy, but usually it turns out all right.

Dear chocolatte,

That's a great thing to remember! I'm shy, too, so when I have to get up in front of other people, I always think: "I've done this before, and everything worked out all right." It helps me calm my nerves and believe in myself.

Your friend,

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Dancerox3297 writes:

	I allways raise my hand in class! It is nothing to feel embarassed or ashamed about. (even if you get the wrong answer, it is better than not raising your hand at all.)

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purpleduck writes:

I dont usualy get embaresed when i raise my hand and get a wrong answer because everybody makes mistakes. Plus the teacher will help you so you can get it right next time!

Dear purpleduck,

That's great advice! It's definitely OK to make mistakes -- we are human, after all. And, yeah, it can be a little embarrassing, but you'll never know what's right unless you make a mistake, and then have someone help you correct it!

Your friend,

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skywriter13 writes:

	i don't usually raise my hand, but when i do 2 things happen: either i get it right and i'm happy, or i get it wrong and i turn bright red!

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scizors writes:

	i'm pretty much confident- if i get a wrong answer in class itz like i'll laugh it off and i know that my friends are with me all the way and who cares if the mean girl jokes? In the words of Miley Cyrus "Nobody's Perfect! I gotta work it!Again and again till I get it right!" Rock On!!!

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pinkglam1811 writes:

	I usually know the answer, but I don't raise my hand very much. When I do and get caled on I go in circles trying to get the right words... I feel like I take FOREVER! Writing is not on of my best subjects... it's more math.

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ShimmerPink writes:

I'm confident all the time, but not to the point when it's arrogance.

I often raise my hand alot and say everything clearly. I may forget but I want to say, stutter or say the wrong answer, but everybody understands. No big deal.

Dear ShimmerPink,

That's a great point. There's a difference between confidence and arrogance. Confidence is about believing in yourself and your abilities. Arrogance is when you have confidence -- but you also put other people down while trying to build yourself up. That's a Queen of Mean thing to do!

Your friend,

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mr.martayrocks11 writes:

	I'm not confident enough

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mr.martayrocks11 writes:

	Ya know what. You get the wrong answer- you learn from it and get it right NEXT TIME! No biggie!

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CamiGabi writes:

	I am confident when I raise my hand and I know the answer but when I forget what I was going to say I feel nervous.

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SparkyMooMoo writes:

When I put up my hand I feel confindent because I`m guessing and if the answer is wrong it is ok because the teacher won`t get mad at you because you weren`t listening because they know that your just guessing and you gave it your best.I love going up to the front of the class, I never get embarressed or anything... public speaking is my thing! I am the best at it.So when I raise my hand I think I have the wrong answer but if I do I know that it is just a guess and other people will to, but if I get it right I`m not like Ha Ha! I was right you were wrong! I am just proud of myself that I put up my hand and tried.

Dear SparkyMooMoo,

You're totally right! I bet teachers appreciate it more when kids raise their hands and give the WRONG answer rather than not raise their hands at all.

Your friend,

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CamiGabi writes:

	I am confident when I know the answer. But when I raise my hand and I don't remember what I was going to say, I feel nervous.

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GirlPower789 writes:

Last year I was the shyest girl in the seventh grade. This year, I'm so much more outgoing and believe me it's really paid off! I have more friends, my grades are even better, and my effort grade went up because of participating in class more. It's really worth it so go out there and shine!

Dear GirlPower789,

Great! You can be shy and confident, but it's difficult to show off that confidence when you don't want to call attention to yourself. But, there is such a thing as quiet confidence, which I hope all my fellow shy girls out there are working toward!

Your friend,

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soccerstar45 writes:

	Laugh it off if you give the wrong answer everyone does it.

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teddybearluver94 writes:

	Charlotte is awesome!

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teddybearluver94 writes:

	I love speaking in front of my class, and voicing my opinion. It shows that I'mk confident enough to take a chance!

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babymegan90 writes:

	I am really shy and i mean really

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tarra10 writes:

	chorrolatte rocks

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GirlHotness4123 writes:

	You are so cool.I would totally want to meet you.

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bsgmix writes:

i LOVE to sing and my family says im a good singer but i'm to shy to do anthing about it so i keep to myself smilies/sad.gif

Dear bsgmix,

That's fantastic! I wish I could sing. That is your talent and your gift. So, it's totally up to you to decide what you do with it. Not everyone who has a good voice should be like Miley Cyrus. There are sooo many other ways to celebrate a beautiful voice. Find the way that's right for you!

Your friend,

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BroadwayGal writes:

	I love to sing, act, and dance so I LOVE getting up in front of the class and presenting projects and solving problems. I am good at reading out loud too so I like reading out loud in class.

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katanigirl1996 writes:

	A lot of the time, I partcipate in class and know the answers. Sometimes I accidentally say something I don't mean, but it works out in the end. I was the first to present an oral, but I did really well.

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Via writes:

In my class, if you get the wrong answer, our teacher makes you look up the answer in our reading book. Or, she makes you look it up in the dictonairy. Or where ever the answer is. So I dont usually raise my hand unless im POSATIVE its the right answer!!

Via 11 MA

Dear Via,

That's what I do most of the time! Even if I think I know an answer, I'll try to be 100% sure by looking in my book or by thinking about it for a moment longer to make sure.

Your friend,

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39stargirl writes:

	If I definitly know the anwser I feel fine. I love sharing in front of people!

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fuzzykitten228 writes:

	I don't mind doing it. When I say a wrong answer I try not to make a big deal about it.

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megmegm13 writes:

	I love to get up in front of the class it is soooooooooooo fun (but not in math, i am not so good in math) . Meg, Ill, age 11

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BSG Fan writes:

	most of the time I don't unless i feel that i did an okay job. like not bad so the teacher will correct me in fornt of the class, but not good so the teacher will praise me in front of the class. Molly, MA, age 11

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sassyshantay1 writes:

	I'm usually a shy person, but when it comes to speaking up, i'm all for it! I'd agree with Ms. R. It's better to raise your hand and give a wrong answer, then to not raise your hand at all.

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BSG Fan writes:

	I always want 2 get up in front of class im just lik Maeve!

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BSG Fan writes:

	Dont feel bad about talking in front of other ppl. U R a gr8 writer and U should let it out, girl!

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BSG Fan writes:

	Im usully really shy about talking in class, just lik u. but one day my teacher called on me and I had the right answer and I was really happy. now I am talking moer and my mom is happy too. u can do it charlote!

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