You’re not alone. Don’t be too hard on yourself, things will get better. On the really bad days you might feel like this is a problem you’re going to be stuck with for the rest of your life, that it will get in the way of achieving the things you want to. But remember, your stutter doesn’t define you. And it can’t control what you become if you don’t let it. Don’t be ashamed to speak because of your stutter; what you have to say is important even if your words come out broken. People sometimes tell me that they find it inspiring when I speak in front of a large number of people despite my stutter. You might not know it, but your struggle is an inspiration for other people. Here’s a tip: think of every time your stutter has made you afraid to do something that comes so easily to other people. Answering the telephone, arguing your point in class, ordering a pizza. Now think of every time you did these things anyway, because you had the courage and because you refused to let your stutter control you. You’re fighting a silent battle within yourself every day, and each time you overcome your fear and do the thing you were terrified of doing, you achieve a minor victory. You’re stronger than you think.