What on earth was I, Tzippy Hartstein, doing at the top of the cast list? Who was I? A faker?

“Tzippy, pretend you’re in your bedroom and no one can hear you. Pretend I’m not even here and you’re singing to yourself”

I was terrified of my interview, terrified I would mess up or even not talk at all.

The looks on my classmates’ faces were priceless! They couldn’t believe their eyes and ears

No bribe or gift in the universe could manipulate my mind into speaking at school

My report cards were covered in A+’s and A’s. Yet the column labeled “participation” was glaringly different. “Needs improvement”

I suppose my young mind had already made itself up. Talking was scary in public settings. The fear was still looming largely in the back of my head, holding me back from expressin ...