Awesome thread.
I come back after a while and what coincidence that someone is going through the same thing as me. Nerves of starting a higher education that is...It's funny, once I say that it doesn't seem to be that much. But then I'm reminded of sitting in a room with complete strangers. Is that what we're worried about, Reb? Because like others have said in this wonderful thread, those hypothetical strangers should be in the same situation as us. I mean, they don't know us..who's to say that we aren't making them nervous? Would you want to? I know I wouldn't...I would try my hardest to make them feel as comfortable as possible. What exactly are we "fearing" here? That we make fools of ourselves while taking part in a conversation with someone we know nothing of??? "Ignore the judgemental assholes" is a general rule in life so that shouldn't be a problem. I think we'll be absolutely fine..after all, we do have the time in between classes to gather ourselves... But during class....We'll sit there, do our work and "learn". If someone happends to socialize with us, we'll analyze the sitation and respond accordingly. After a while, we'll begin to get "used" to the class(es) and people and act more natural. Next thing you know, it'll be another chore in our busy lives and we won't be giving "it" second thought. "Class, oh brother.. not these people again".. just kidding.... we'll play nice and be friends with everyone.. in control..our hands on the wheel....cruising, if you will.

You are GOOD people, I know that.. Who's to say the people around(in class) wont judge you by the same measure I do? You have to give yourself the chance to meet these people and establish relationships and connections. That's a huge part of what a higher education is all about. Forget the critical people that might or might not be in your class, karma will take care of them. We have absolutely nothing to worry about(as far as class goes) except what we plant(no pun) in our head. So we should march in there(humbly, of course), concentrate on our work and let the socializing take it's normal course.

Don't let the whole idea shrink your confidence BEFORE you even get a chance to analyze the whole situation. Granted, if you have a class full of assholes, it might get rough... but chances are it'll be a class full of people who want to better themselves.

On a lighter note, I just had to fix a bunch of things on my car as well. Reb, you'd be suprised to know how "common" daily annoyances really are.

We'll be fine sweetheart.