Yes, I am Short | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Student Life

Yes, I am Short

No, I do not want a kids menu.

21
Yes, I am Short
Julie Halmo

Yes. I am short.

I'm a 5'2" 20-year-old that gets told how short I am on almost a daily basis. I am also "blessed" with baby face syndrome, where I look younger than I actually am. These two things cause many people to believe I am in middle school or high school.

Here are a few things that I am tired of hearing:

"You are so short!"

Really? I had no idea! I thought I was a giant.

"Don't let jokes go over your head!"

Funny how you just made a short joke you thought was original.

"You're 20? I thought you were 15 at most!"

The youngest age I've ever gotten told I looked like was 13, which must mean 13-year-olds are really evolving with their make-up skills.

"Would you like a kids menu?"

Your kids menu has an age limit of 12. I don't know what kind of 12-year-olds you see, but most don't go on dates alone with car keys in their hands.

"You sit so close to the steering wheel!"

Aren't you full of observations.

"I thought you were visiting an older sibling!"

No, I do actually attend this college, believe it or not. Being in a sorority helps this because I just wear my letters to places and then this is avoided.

"Aren't you a little young to be (fill in the blank)?"

No, I am a legal adult, no longer considered a teenager, but thank you for your concern.

"I need a parent to sign this because I am going to assume you're not 18."

You assumed wrong, hand me the paper and pen, please.

"Do you need to sign in?"

This happened over the summer, where I went to pick someone up from my old high school, and the principal, who was my principal when I went there, asks me if I need to sign in and get a late pass. I told her no, I am picking someone up. As she is looking my crop top and high-waisted shorts up and down, I turn to her and say, "I graduated from here last year." Then she promptly turned her head and walked away.

And lastly, my "favorite":

"You look so young, you're going to appreciate that when you're older."

This one bothers me for several reasons. I know that when I am older, I will look 10 years younger than I actually am, but for right now, it is annoying. You get looked at strange wherever you go if you wear something that looks more "mature". People stare at you when you're driving because they are probably wondering what a 12 year old is doing driving a car. No one believes you when you say your actual age, so you have to pull out you ID for proof. When you are in your 30's, you are still going to get carded when you try to buy anything alcoholic.

There are a lot of other problems with being short too; clothes aren't made to accommodate shorter limbs, unless they have a short option, any pant that isn't skinny will drag on the ground and rip, no matter how many times I roll it, shirts will go down to my thighs, and skirts that are mid-thigh on average height people will be down to my knees, I can't reach the top or middle shelf, I need a step ladder for my dorm bed, I'm mistaken for an arm rest, and you will always win the game of holding things above your head.

But, I don't get hit in the face with branches, or hit my head on doors or shelves, no one asks me to do favors for them when they can't reach, I am agile and a master at hide and seek, I can buy children's sized clothes and get a discount, I don't have to worry about anything being "too short", and finding a significant other that's taller than me is super easy, since the majority of the population is taller than me.

Next time you see a short person, don't point out how short they are, we already know.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

A Few Thoughts Every College Freshman Has

The transition into adulthood is never easy

16213
Mays Island
Courtney Jones

Today I started my third week of college at Minnesota State Moorhead. I have survived welcome week, finding my classes on the first day, and being an awkward loner in the dining hall. Even though I have yet to be here for a month, I have already experienced many thoughts and problems that only a new college student can relate to.

Keep Reading...Show less
Students walking on a sunny college campus with trees and buildings.

"Make sure to get involved when you're in college!"

We've all heard some variation of this phrase, whether it came from parents, other family members, friends, RAs, or college-related articles. And, like many clichés, it's true for the most part. Getting involved during your college years can help you make friends, build your resume, and feel connected to your campus. However, these commitments can get stressful if you're dealing with personal issues, need to work, or aren't sure how to balance classes and everything else going on during the semester.

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

9 Reasons Why Friends Are Essential In College

College without friends is like peanut butter without jelly.

6940
Bridgaline Liberati and friends
Bridgaline Liberati

In college, one of the essential things to have is friends. Yes, textbooks, a laptop, and other school supplies are important but friends are essential. Friends are that support system everybody needs. The more friends you have the better the support system you have. But you also have someone to share experiences with. And don’t settle for just one or two friends because 8 out of 10 times they are busy and you are studying all alone. Or they have other friend groups that do not include you. Don’t settle for just one or two friends; make as many friends as you can. After the first couple of weeks of college, most friend groups are set and you may be without friends.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

The Power of Dressing Up

Why it pays to leave the hoodie at home.

5122
sneakers and heels
Sister | Brother Style - Word Press

For a moment your world is spinning. The phone alarm has just scared you awake and you’re flooded by daunting thoughts of the day ahead. You have three assignments due and little time to work on them because of your job. You’re running late because you’ve hit snooze one to many times after yesterday’s long hours. You dizzily reach for a hoodie, craving its comfort, and rush for a speedy exit, praying you will have time to pick up coffee. Does this sound familiar?

Keep Reading...Show less
Entertainment

11 Signs You Live At The Library As Told by 'Parks And Recreation'

A few signs that you may live in the library whether you'd like to admit it or not.

4493
brown wooden book shelves with books

Finals week is upon us. It is a magical time of year during which college students everywhere flock to the library in attempt to learn a semester's worth of knowledge in only a week. For some students, it's their first time in the library all semester, maybe ever. Others have slaved away many nights under the fluorescent lights, and are slightly annoyed to find their study space being invaded by amateurs. While these newbies wander aimlessly around the first floor, hopelessly trying to find a table, the OGs of the library are already on the third floor long tables deep into their studies. Here is a few signs that you may live in the library, whether you'd like to admit it or not.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments