Recommended for you

Start writing a post

Student Life

The Pros And Cons Of Looking Younger Than You Really Are

Looking like a 12-year-old isn't that bad, right?

Marisa Valotta

Apr 11, 2016

Seton Hill University

6055

The Pros And Cons Of Looking Younger Than You Really Are

Daily Mail

As a college student who is barely five feet tall and has the face of a 12-year-old, I've had countless experiences of being mistaken for a child. I can't even remember how many times I've had to tell people, "I know I look really young, but I'm actually [insert age]," or, "Yes, I am old enough to be working here." I've had people accuse me of lying about my age, thinking I'm joking. No, I am not joking. Having a young face has both pros and cons; it's a blessing and a curse. These are a few of the pros and cons I have experienced the most throughout my life. Hopefully someday I'll be thankful for my youthful appearance.

Pros:

1. Looking young when I'm old.

While everyone else is crying about gray hairs and wrinkles, I will continue to enjoy looking ten to 20 years younger than I actually am.

2. Getting discounts.

You know that "12 and under gets free/discounted admission" rule some places have? I expect to be able to take advantage of that for a few more years. Hello, free entertainment.

3. Immaturity galore.

No one really expects kids to be completely mature. Looking like one gives me the freedom to act like one (in moderation), without feeling too self-conscious. If I see a playground, I will go on it.

4. Getting crayons at restaurants.

I get bored when I'm waiting for my food. I will ask the waiter for crayons without hesitation. To them, I look like a kid who wants to color. There's nothing strange about that.

5. Shopping in the kid's department.

This is more of a result of my short stature and small feet, but it helps that I look young, so it's not quite as weird when I'm looking around in the kid's section of clothing stores. The real pro here is that often, kids clothing is cheaper. The shoes are especially cheap.

Cons:

1. Driving.

Every time I get into the car I worry that it'll be the day I finally get pulled over because a police officer saw me and my too-young-to-be-driving-a-car face. When I'm behind the wheel, I probably look 14.

2. Surprise! I'm in college.

The disbelief I get from people when I tell them my age or that I'm in college is pretty typical and slightly annoying.

3. Eating out.

Yes, I do enjoy coloring while I wait for my food, but I cannot stand it when the waiter automatically assumes I'm a kid and just gives me a kid's menu without asking. Even when they do ask, "How many kid's menus?" it saddens me that it isn't obvious that the only person in need of one is my 11-year-old brother.

4. Terms of endearment.

I get called "honey" and "sweetie" all the time by older adults. They use that sweet, slightly higher- pitched voice that really should only be used with small children. I know they mean well, but it makes me feel like a little girl.

5. I.D.

I know I'm going to get carded for the rest of my life. Sometimes I get scared that people will think I have a fake I.D. because I'll look too young to actually be 21.

Report this Content

This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.

Entertainment

13 Times April Ludgate Perfectly Explained College

Because who understands your bitterness better than April?

Indiana University - Purdue University Indianapolis

294

Every college student knows and understands the struggle of forcing themselves to continue to care about school. Between the piles of homework, the hours of studying and the painfully long lectures, the desire to dropout is something that is constantly weighing on each and every one of us, but the glimmer of hope at the end of the tunnel helps to keep us motivated. While we are somehow managing to stay enrolled and (semi) alert, that does not mean that our inner-demons aren't telling us otherwise, and who is better to explain inner-demons than the beloved April Ludgate herself? Because of her dark-spirit and lack of filter, April has successfully been able to describe the emotional roller-coaster that is college on at least 13 different occasions and here they are.

Keep Reading...Show less

april ludgate

Adulting

Being A Senior: The Best And Worst Of It

Graduation is coming.

Loyola University Chicago

221

For many undergraduates across the nation, the home stretch has begun. Only one more semester remains in our undergraduate career. Oh, the places we will go! For the majority of college seniors, this is simultaneously the best and worst year out of the past four and here’s why.

1. The classes you are taking are actually difficult.

A schedule full of easy pottery throwing and film courses is merely a myth on the average campus. With all of those prerequisites for the upper-level courses and the never-ending battle you fight each year during registration for limited class seats, senior year brings with it the ability to register for the final courses you need to fulfill your major. Yet, these are not the easy entry level courses. These are the comprehensive, end of major, capstone courses designed to apply the knowledge from all your previous courses, usually in the form of an extensive research paper or engaged learning project. The upside is you actually probably really enjoy these classes but alas there is no room for slackers here.