Everyday, I walk up and down the stairs in the 400s and 500s building. Although I do enjoy the exercise, I’ve had more than my fair share of trips and falls on these steps. However, I’ve finally narrowed down the suspects to two things. Either it’s my terribly long legs, or it’s the teeny tiny steps.
I realize that as I grow, I have to make changes. Sure I sleep diagonally, I duck my head to avoid hitting my head on the exhaust hood in the kitchen, and I stand in the back of all group photos. But one of the biggest sacrifices I’ve had to make is walking up the stairs. Longer legs means longer feet, and it always feel like I’m falling if I walk normally up the stairs with my feet straight. This means I must walk like a duck up the stairs. Although I feel much safer, it’s not only just as dangerous, it’s an inconvenience for all my friends if I walk with them, as I look ridiculous, embarrassing and I take up a lot of room on the step. I realize that it seems like a “#firstworldproblems, *yawns*”, but it feels like an epidemic.
Am I a tall person among average people, or am I an average person among short people? Is my stride unusually long, or do these people just walk slowly? Does every step I take really seem like a short jog to some? These are the questions that keep me up at night. I always hear that “being tall must be great” but I’ve fallen or tripped so many times that I always wonder how crazy these people are.
My long legs have also caused me to misstep on the stairs, not only at school, but everywhere I go. Ever seen a step that looks taller than it actually is and accidentally step down harder than you intended? Yes? Well it’s harder when you’re so much higher up and your perspectives are absolutely horrible.
I’ve always hoped that the world would grow with me, that ceilings would raise and desks would be higher. My height has been a great insecurity of mine, but as my vertical growth begins to plateau I know that life won’t be that hard to deal with once I get used to it. Whether you’re tall or short, it’s all about being comfortable in your own skin and accepting who you are.
TCHS School Newspaper