By Lori Melnitsky
I remember the moment vividly—the tightness in my chest, the racing thoughts, the overwhelming fear that my words wouldn’t come out the way I wanted. For years, I let my stutter control me. I avoided speaking in class, shied away from introducing myself, and even dreaded the simplest interactions, like ordering food or answering the phone. But on this particular day, something changed.
I was in college at Hofstra University, sitting in a classroom filled with students eager to share their thoughts. I had an answer to the professor’s question, but as usual, I hesitated. It was a topic in a psychology class on ideas to help others increase self esteem. I had such great ideas i n my head.
My inner voice screamed, Don’t speak up. They’ll notice. They’ll laugh. Just stay quiet. For years, I had listened to that voice. But that day, something inside me was louder—the realization that staying silent was holding me back far more than my stutter ever could.
I kind of raised my hand. My heart pounded as the professor called on me. One huge problem occurred. The words didn’t come out. I stuttered, I paused, I pushed through. I honestly barely said what I had to. I had not had much speech therapy at that point. Not many speech options were available at that point.
However, that day, I decided that my voice mattered. That day, I realized that I had to find a way to speak. I was suffocating. No matter how much I learned. I had not learned how to communicate with my vocal chords locking.
Trying to speak up didn’t suddenly cure my stutter, nor did it erase all my fears. But it started a journey of grit and determination. I searched for stuttering specialists and never gave up. avoiding conversations. I sought out opportunities to speak instead of running from them. And most importantly, I learned that I was not alone. My voice mattered.
Years later I realize I am an extrovert. I love talking and learning new things.
Sometimes challenging experiences make us stronger. Sometimes we have to find the right therapist to succeed.
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