I agree with all the supportive comments about sticking with it despite your shyness/introversion. If this is what you want, you can definitely do it.

But it's also okay to quit if you want and do something else. Trying out new things is an experiment that always succeeds -- whether you stick with it or change course. You should be commended for going to J-school and trying something out. And it's ok if during that process you learn that it's not what you want.

I used to be a journalist and for the reasons you cited, as well as other reasons involving personal preference and daily happiness, I decided to quit and get a degree in a completely unrelated field. Like today's letter writers, my colleagues strongly encouraged me to stick with it and I felt bad at the time for being a "quitter." I was also haunted by the prospect that I was fleeing my fears. But I kept reminding myself that I was quitting one thing to start another - which isn't really quitting, it's just a change.

That was 12 years ago. I now have a degree and a job in a field I love. I no longer experience daily conflict and struggle as I carry out my work. I am at peace. I am not hiding; my work is challenging and stimulating. The pace and duties of my work suit me very well.

I think you can excel no matter what you do. I hope you do not feel like there is a "wrong" thing to do. Spend time exploring your fears and doubts and try to tune into your desire. Find out what you WANT and fight to make it happen.

When I first started journalism, I was petrified. I remember showing up for my first story scared shitless, and I didn't even have to ask any questions. I just had to listen to a lecture and summarize it. I still get scared and shaky now, five years later, even when asking very boring routine questions. But as someone who has also stuggled with depression on and off, I can tell you that after having relunctantly agreed to return to medication after five years off it, I can feel the difference it has made in my confidence level and ability to interact with the people I meet doing my job. The shyness doesn't go away, but it can be manageable.

First, and most importantly, why the hell are you thinking about journalism as a career? THERE ARE NO JOBS. Those of us stupid enough to pursue this career decades ago are now stranded in a profession with about as much relevance as corset-making or steam-engine maintenance. Switch to a nursing major ASAP.

And whatever you do, don't delude yourself that copy editing is a good place for a shy, journalism-addled personality. HA! It's a cesspool of bitter, sleep-deprived, terminally frustrated and genuinely unpleasant trolls who fritter their lives away arguing about dashes verses semicolons. Just gently lay those Woodstein dreams down, put your hands up and walk away.

If you don't like to ask uncomfortable questions, they'd love you at the White House Press Corps.

Come on people! A journalist's job, if you're covering something more important than the local dog show is precisely that: to ask uncomfortable questions, and to make the sons of bitches that run this country squirm in their padded seats. If you don't want to do that, you shouldn't be a journalist.

I don't mean to be unkind. Believe me, I know about the pain of shyness. That's one reason I'm not a journalist, or a salesman. In the same way, my vertigo disqualifies me to be a firefighter, my claustrophobia disqualifies me as a spelunker, etc... If you have a talent for writing, there are other things you can do that won't strain your shyness.

At the age of 56 it's about the only thing I do like about journalism. My suggestion is that you cover politicians. They will make you so angry that you will soon lose your fear. Unfortunately, fewer and fewer general circulation outlets are willing to pay for people to challenge the politicians in the state houses and in Washington.

I also fear that too many journalists, especially the bloggers, would rather sit back and criticize than get on the front lines and ask the questions.

I know one young columnist for a major newspaper who raised questions about the background of one candidate. When I informed her that the candidate was going to address those questions at a press conference, she responded that she wasn't paid enough to take his abuse.

If you can't ask the tough questions make room for those who can. If you can only dish it out and can't take it, please quit now.

First off, I've been there, and I consider myself a more outgoing person. When I started in my first professional reporter job at 22 years ago fresh out of college (almost eight years ago), I was frightened every time I had to talk to a source. I was even more scared when I had to ask those tough questions. Over time, though, I learned to be comfortable because I learned an important part of journalism: all reporters aren't the same.

When you're in school you're led to believe that all reporters operate the same way. That's the furthest thing from the truth.

I used to butt heads with a former editor because she was much more cut-throat than I am. She'd have no problems calling people and demanding things. She was poised for a fight with a source every time she picked up the phone.

I don't operate the same way. I believe you can draw more flies with honey than with vinegar. It works for me, and I've been told more than once from sources that they like talking with me because they don't feel like they're talking with a reporter. The reason I operate as such is because it makes me just as comfortable as it makes my sources.

You have to find your own way to handle sources that makes you hit a comfort zone. There will be harder days with tougher stories, but if you find a way to handle the job in your own way it'll be easier for you.