Victor’s Thoughts: Post #2 — On Introverts

Catch me at the local bubble tea shop and you’ll see me doing homework. Spot me in the hallway at school and you’ll notice my AirPods are plugged in. Find me at home and I’ll most likely be studying, reading, writing, or doing something that doesn’t involve conversing with others. I’ve always been quiet, reserved, and private about my personal life. In other words, I am an introvert.

Introverts like me are seen two-fold: either we are studious, hard-working, and focused or we are awkward, shy, or unable to lead as confidently or effectively as our counterparts—extroverts. I prefer the former, but many favor the latter. This stereotype doesn’t help when introverts only makeup 25–40% of the population, either.

But the myths surrounding introverts must be dispelled.

One of my favorite pieces of work that shed light on what it means to be an introvert is a Ted Talk given by Susan Cain (Cain), the author of “Quiet: The Power of Introverts in a World That Can’t Stop Talking.” Throughout her talk, Cain underscores how undervalued introverts are in not only schools and the workforce, but also life.

Cain begins by setting the scene during one of her summer camps, which made its happy, joyful campers participate in loud chants. “R-O-W-D-I-E,” they chant! Little do they know that the word “rowdie” doesn’t…