My licence says I am 5’2”, but I am technically only 5’1 ½”. I was always on the average side growing up, but once I got to college, I noticed how short I was a lot more. Or should I say, more people pointed it out to me.
Take out the big hunky football players, and the Eiffel Tower basketball players, there are still many different height differences around campus. There are some taller girls, and shorter guys. My roommate is 5’10”, and believe me, I don’t go a day without her letting me know how short I am. But that’s ok, I just respond by telling her she’s too tall. She laughs when I can’t reach the top shelf in my closet, and just stares as I use a chair. But hey, whatever I have to use I am going to use!
The only sport my height was a disadvantage for was basketball. All of the other sports and activities I did, I think I was successful at despite my shorter height. I could get around the taller people, but taking a shot with someone towering over me was a little difficult. Also, I do feel a little obligated to wear heels to formal events, just so I am a little taller. As many “negatives” as shorter people encounter, I think there are more positives. I can fit into smaller places, I can crawl under a desk (even though I don’t do that... ha...ha…), I fit comfortably into my twin-size dorm bed, I fit into smaller clothes and the shower head will most likely always be higher than my head.
So what if my pants are a little longer? I can always hem mine, but taller people can’t add length to their short pants. I am closer to the floor, so if I fall or have to sit, it’s not too far away. Being a “short girl” and thinking about it has made me realize that I would rather be shorter than taller. Sometimes I do wish I was just a few inches taller, but then I don’t really care. Whether you are short, tall, or average, just be proud.
Your legs and my legs are going to get us to the same place, I just may have to take more steps. And don’t judge someone by their physical features; there’s not much you can do with what you’re born with, so learn how to use it.
