Growing up, I had no idea what social anxiety was. I was a naturally shy kid who preferred to curl up on the couch with a book rather than expose my inferior physical skills playing with other kids. I had a vivid imagination that took me to places of fantasy lands and real geographical locations I didn’t fathom ever visiting. Even as a blossoming young adult I preferred hiding behind a magazine cover when forced to attend social events and dance parties. I never felt completely comfortable in a room full of strangers.

So, I choose a career as a computer programmer, being completely comfortable in the company of other naturally shy and awkward young adults, and being able to converse with my computer any time I wanted. In a few years, my life took an unusual turn, and I discovered a vast, beautiful world surpassing my wildest childhood imagination. And, most importantly, I found amazing people who I never knew existed, some of them quite magical. I discovered a world where I was completely comfortable being myself. And even though I’m still not 100% okay being in a room with strangers to socialize, I’m ok with that.