Stuttering sucks. But damnit, going straight through it will yield better life results. Yes it will suck, yes it feels awful but the strength and courage to go for it and get through it is what matters. Who cares how long it takes or if they can understand you. Just find that strength inside and go for it. Desensitization. Just keep doing it until you don’t care anymore. Don’t let anything outside of you determine your worth. If you want this degree, go get it. Walk through that fear. Know we are here on the sidelines, cheering you on and holding your hand. - Oh, and actual Mom advice: Talk to the professor ahead of time and see if you can do the presentation for a grade in front of them. Then The class presentation is more about getting through the public speaking hell without your grade depending on it. It’s double the work. The content and then the delivery and for people who stutter working on the delivery is where the real work begins. As a mom, I highly recommend doing it this way because you show the professor that the content is good and you’re giving them a glimpse into the fact that you really do have to work twice as hard as everyone else. They don’t know that until they see it. You’ll also earn their respect and, Hopefully, your own. Because you’re doing the work and showing courage. When you run, that shadow always follows you. When you face the sun that shadow disappears. Or stays behind you where it won’t bother you. Don’t let that stupid shadow define you or dictate your life.