Quora: My Secret Writing Sanctuary and the Inevitable Revelation

As someone who has been using Quora as a platform for sharing thoughts and pursuing my passion for writing, I understand the dilemma of whether to share my online space with the world, especially when it involves exposing it to adults like teachers. This is a story of my experiences with Quora and how it has become both a sanctuary and a source of anxiety for me.

My Involvement with Quora

When I first joined Quora, I did so with the intention of improving my writing skills and engaging with a community of like-minded individuals. Little did I know that it would become my secret writing sanctuary, a place where I could express myself freely without the fear of judgment. To my surprise, my teachers at school are also familiar with the platform.

A Revelation in the Classroom

One day, during a class discussion, a student mentioned that he had noticed me writing on Quora. I froze. The room was silent, and my heart raced. While several of my classmates knew about my Quora account, no one over the age of 18 was aware of it—not even my parents. However, my English teacher, Mr. Ricos, calmly responded with, “Oh cool, I have a Quora account too.” This unexpected admission brought a wave of relief to the class and to me.

This incident made me reflect on the dynamics of sharing my writing with an authority figure. On one hand, it would be comforting to have a teacher who could appreciate my work and offer valuable feedback. On the other hand, the fear of judgment and criticism might destroy the joy I find in writing for fun. My life on Quora is free from the strictures of authority figures, and the absence of external judgment allows me to write without restraint.

Encounters with Other Teachers

When my Spanish and Catalan studies teacher, Mr. Ricos, expressed particular interest in my Quora activities, it solidified my decision to keep my writing world a secret. Each time he saw me on Quora, whether on a laptop or mobile device, he would ask about the content I was writing. These interactions, while enjoyable, are tinged with a sense of vulnerability. I trust Mr. Ricos, but the thought of my parents or other teachers discovering my secret weighs heavily on me.

For example, during another class session, my teacher casually mentioned my involvement with Quora, knowing that someone in the class might recognize it. It was an uncomfortable moment, but I breathed a sigh of relief when he continued with the class without further comment. This experience highlighted the delicate balance between sharing my passion and maintaining a private space for my unique form of self-expression.

The Joy of Writing Unencumbered

The freedom to write on Quora without the fear of judgment or criticism has been invaluable. I relish the ability to explore my creativity and share my thoughts with strangers who share similar interests. Each answer, each discussion, brings a sense of fulfillment that is hard to replicate in a traditional classroom setting. My writing on Quora is my sanctuary, where my words are valued for their expression rather than their analysis or critique.

While sharing my work with my teachers and mentors would undoubtedly be a positive experience, the fear of judgment could overshadow the joy of writing. I understand that the authentic experience of making mistakes and learning from them is essential in the writing process. Quora allows me to practice my skills in a space where I can experiment and grow without the constraints of authority figures.

Looking ahead, I can only hope that the inevitable discovery of my Quora account will not tarnish the joy and fulfillment I find in my writing. Until then, I will continue to tip-toe through my iPad, enjoying the intangible praise from a community of fellow writers and thinkers who understand the value of expressing oneself freely.

As much as I relish the idea of having a teacher who would appreciate my writing, the fear of criticism and judgment is a powerful deterrent. Quora remains my personal space, a place where I can write for fun and express myself without encumbrance. The joy of crafting elegant prose or diving into deep discussions with strangers is a luxury that I cherish, and I am content to keep it that way.

Conclusion

My journey with Quora has been a balancing act between freedom of expression and the fear of judgment. While it is undoubtedly a platform that is valued by my teachers, the authenticity of my writing experience is more important to me. Quora remains a secret space that is cherished for the joy it brings and the freedom it affords. The discovery of my Quora account will be a day of mixed emotions, but for now, I am content with the intangible praise and the space that Quora provides.