PREFACE

Social anxiety is not something to run away from! 

There have been times when people bully others due to their assumptions. It takes time for people with social anxiety to get comfortable and feel at ease. To bring awareness, we need to show and teach people. This book came to light to acknowledge the stories of people who have social anxiety.

    We Are All the                  Same 

By Elizabeth Castelan 

Riley is on his way to his first day of school. 

With his father by his side, he felt confident. 

Until he gets a glimpse of the enormous, two-story school. 

Panicked. Riley says, 

“Father, can we go back home now?”

“Son, you have to be strong. you’re amazing, and I believe you can do it!” says his father. 

Encouraged, Riley steps foot into the classroom. 

“Well, hello there! Welcome, I’m your teacher! Mr. Fritz,” said his teacher. 

Riley smiled and went towards the only empty table he saw. 

As he sat there looking down, his classmates would say hello. 

Riley looked up but quickly looked away. 

His classmates were upset and began to say nasty things. 

“Don’t talk to Riley; he won’t answer you!” said the girl. 

“He looks mean,” said the boy. 

Everyone was avoiding Riley. 

“Don’t be his friend, he’ll just ignore you!” said a classmate. 

Although these words weren't spoken directly to Riley, he still felt sad. 

The day went on with countless rumors.

Would anyone understand Riley?

The school day was ending, and now it was time to head home. 

Riley felt relieved after all the talk about him. 

There is only so much he could handle. 

Both Riley and his classmates knew he was different. 

He didn't quite fit in with them. 

So, he just sat back and watched them from a distance. 

If only the others would understand what Riley was going through! 

Riley was not feeling good. 

He felt like an outcast, but that was not what he wanted. 

Just because he has social anxiety, does not mean he does not want to make friends. 

He has a harder time communicating with others. 

But, judgment is spreading.

Like a person trapped in a bottle. 

Riley feels as if no one understands him. 

If only they would understand.

The next day, Riley was ready to talk. 

He was confident, as his parents had given him advice. 

As he walked into the classroom, something felt different. 

The students did not glare or bicker at him. 

Nor did they bully him. 

It was as if nothing had happened.