I don't remember High School that much; maybe a few isolated incidents. I know I was somewhat introverted then, feared everything and kept to myself, forget about making a presentation in front of a class or the whole school. I don't remember that happening at all. Once, I joined the army, that all changed. Military training gave me confidence, discipline and a strong work ethic. I fear nothing.

I took a class in College on Communications. I had to do several presentations there and it was fun. As an Infantry Officer, I served as a Battalion Personnel Officer for maybe a year or more. I was either a First Lieutenant or a Captain then. One year after Field Training Exercise (FTX), the battalion of 500+ soldiers stood in formation. As the Personnel Officer, awards and promotions were my responsibility. At a podium, I stood in front of the assembled battalion, the commander, the staff and several guests and visitors as well as an army band. My job was to call each soldier up to the Battalion Commander to be presented with a medal for some action they may have performed during the FTX. I had no problem doing this.

When I was between the ages of 29 and 32, I served as a Company Commander of an HHC (Headquarters and Headquarters Company) for an Infantry Brigade. I was a Captain at that time. Every day, I stood in front of the formation of soldiers in my company (~100) and addressed them on what the various sections were doing for training that day or what was going on in the unit.

I retired from the military 15 years ago but today, I am working as a Substitute Teacher and find the work very easy because of my experiences with the military. I am a very relaxed and laid back Sub, which I perceive the students liking. I am not anxious like some 20-something subs are because they are so fucking nervous standing in front a class. For me, it is no big deal. On the other hand, when I get a student who wants to push my buttons, I can handle him quite firmly. It is a fun gig and I am considering getting my state License to teach and be a Middle School Math teacher. Albeit, I will be an old math teacher and probably remain working until I am 70 only because this will be a career I start late in life.

Forget about High School. Once you are an adult and you overcome those immature insecurities, they will be ancient history and you won't remember them anyway. Do not let them get in your way. If there is something you want to do in life, do whatever it takes to get there. If you have a fear, engage in that activity that frightens you. Do not let anything get in your way. You can do anything as long as you put your mind to it.