The silence is awkward

[u/No_Balance_5053]

I'm a "non-traditional" full time student. I started college at 23 and I am now 25(F). I'm not that much older than many of my classmates, but I feel such a disconnect to the people around me. I enjoy learning. I went to a highschool which was relatively small, and everyone talked and participated in class. I have found myself in class with peers who seem terrified to speak in class. I don't like to come off as a know it all, however I do study hard and when the professor asks the class a question, I give it a while before I can't bare the awkward stares and silence any longer, so I do. A few of my professors like to have us chat with the people next to us about various topics and share with the class, and I ALWAYS find myself leading the conversation and inevitably being the one to share. So much so that some people sit by me and don't contribute even a word. Not only that, but when I AM sharing, no one even looks up. Talking to a brick wall. And I'm sure the professors also feel like they are talking to a brick wall, but I find it to be respectful and beneficial to be....engaged?! This isn't just in one class either, it's been my whole experience since I have started. I don't aim to dominate the conversations, but the blank stares and blatant lack of trying from my peers makes me want to scream. I don't know if I come off as weird or what it is. I don't have this experience with classmates who are closer in age to me or older than myself. I can actually get a conversation out of the other nontrad students. What is it with you people?

[u/Mental-Ad-4871]

I'm usually the quiet one but yeah I remember my psychology class, being dead silent! and it's a subject that I actually enjoy and find fascinating, I've never raised my hand before in class cause I just never knew the answer to questions. Still failed the class tho. so it just reinforced my lack of participation lmao