You're not dumb.  Using any forum requires a little practice and this one is not quite as easy to use as I would like.  One of the things I want to do when I can find the time is to try simplifying it by removing the editiing options that most people will never use, like insert custom character, spoiler, highlight your code, etc.  I think that changing some of the colors and button sizes would also make it easier to use. 

I don't know what you used to write your essay, but you might want to try saving it as a plain text file and then copy and paste it to this forum.  If you have any pictures you can use the "insert/edit" pictures button to insert them where you want them.

You can also just email it to me and I'll take care of it for you.  I'm looking forward to reading your essay.

Rob