Is it just shyness
I would try taking a few classes at your community college for a semester or two before jumping into the whole on-campus college experience for four years. And begin with classes that are sometimes lecture, sometimes discussion, and maybe an english or history class that's all discussion. Pick whatever you're interested in, but pick something that would get you talking in class in a more natural setting, rather than in a presentation setting. Also many teachers notice shy students and will try to bring you out in the discussion. And if you talk to them, and tell them you're afraid to talk in front of the class, if they're a good teacher, they'll help to bring you out.
I hope you can find a way to live with this or overcome this. College can be a lot of fun, and you should be able to have that experience too.
I get the same exact way. I usually have to prepare myself the day before. I really want to hear what other people say about this question.
just confront everyday tasks that make you feel insecure,thats the only way because once you confront it youll see its not soo bad.
Strange, you sound educated, you sound self-assured, you have a fear of speaking in front of people though, and its all in your head
You didn't do yourself any justice in school by denying the speeches, however, its easy to get over. First, in college, take a class called intra-personal communication. It is a speech class, but its in a smaller group setting, normally one on one, and then in groups later on. That can help you build your confidence.