Stuttering Experience
So, for a class assignment I had to pretend to have a stutter for a few hours. This is actually REALLY hard to think about and consciously do. I think my stutter became more real because I had to awkwardly pause and think about actually stuttering. It was pretty entertaining to see other's reactions. While doing this assignment I went to Wal-mart to grocery shop. I decided to ask a worker to help me find a few things. It was difficult not to laugh every now and then simply because I was trying so hard to concentrate on stuttering that I kept forgetting what I was asking for. The worker was very kind. He waited patiently for me to get all my words out and then directed me to each aisle.
A couple of times he would finish my word before I got a chance, thinking he was helping me out. It was nice. I also had a conversation with the worker in the checkout line. He asked me how my day was so I answered and asked how his was. It was a brief conversation and people in line behind me were staring pretty intently. That bothered me more than anything. I hate attention on me and I could feel them thinking, "What is wrong with this girl." It made me feel for those who do actually have a stutter. I hope I have never been someone who has stared and judged another for a difficult situation they are in. I will now be so much more aware and more understanding.
I also went through a drive through at Wendy's. That was pretty hard. The person taking my order kept asking me "I'm sorry, could you repeat that?" It was frustrating and I know those with real stutters must get frustrated often that they can't communicate with ease as they wish to.
All in all, this was a very beneficial experience and it helped me understand a little more about something that I am fortunate enough to not have to deal with in my own life. I know I will be more compassionate towards those with any kind of speech impairment.
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