Oh my... well there is hope for you to not be shy. People laugh at me when I tell them I used to be shy. I would literally start puking in school if I thought I would have to do or talk in front of someone. One day I was on a school bus and some kids were picking on a boy that was a bit slow... (older and popular boys) and I decided I had to stand up for this boy. I did and I let them have it and to my knowledge they never picked on that boy again but what happened is after I did that I was like WOW that wasn't so hard or bad and I slowly started gaining confidence. I have actually done public speaking now. Chaired committees and even served as a Jury foreman. I just decided life was to short to be afraid any longer and I made a decision to just go for all I could. I want you to know in certain circumstances I still sometimes feel the tendency to be shy but I just keep going and then I have a great time. I have great faith that you can do this also. Just take one day at a time.\nSo sorry that your 3rd grade teacher was so arghhhhhh!!! Don't give up on others or yourself because of her. Dust yourself off and go for all you want!!! Ill keep you in my prayers xoxox Lori