As someone who stayed at 5’1 years after puberty, I’ve realized that I’m not the largest human being. However, I never actually noticed how little I was until I came to Cal Poly. People under 5’3 at this school are constantly surrounded by a sea of tall, blonde and modelesque people. Oftentimes, there are many things people of average or tall height don’t necessarily notice on this campus (and in life). Here are some of the struggles faced by the petite population of people at Cal Poly.
1. Feeling somewhat obliged to wear heels everyday
Whether they’re platform sandals (which are thankfully in style this season) or boots with heels, we’ll do anything we can to gain even a couple inches.
2. GIANT BACKPACKS
When we wear a backpack with even just a notebook in it we look like we’re going backpacking through Southeast Asia for 2 months. Backpacks are an eternal struggle for a small person.
3. My head is not an armrest
Wow, you’re so clever. No one’s ever pointed out how tiny I am.
4. Can’t see, can’t reach
Sitting in the back of a large lecture isn’t really an option. Our torsos aren’t long enough to be able to see the board from way back there. Also, if you end up with the top shelf of the cabinet in your kitchen, a stepstool is going to be perpetually placed in front of it. Sorry roommates.
5. The tables at Kennedy Library
Although our library does have some tables that aren’t the height of the Empire State Building, most of them feel like it. There are days where it feels like the table comes up to your chin and you can’t even focus on what you’re trying to study.
6. Driving at sunset
In the words of Nicole Richie: “It’s not easy being 5’1. Sun visors in cars never work on me.” Going on a beautiful sunset car ride turns into the inability to see the road in front of you because it’s TOO bright.
7. It’s not looking AT people, it’s looking UP at people
Tall people ever have you wondering what the inside of your nose looks like? Just ask someone shorter than you, we can explain it in detail.
8. Hugs
I physically cannot hug you around your neck, but I’m still going to try and it’s usually painfully awkward. My head is also probably going to end up at your lower chest or armpit. Side note: I did not ask for you to pick me up so please put me down.
Although us small folk have to deal with things the average sized population doesn’t, we still shouldn’t let our height define us. We’re all built differently but our size isn’t going to stop us from achieving what we want in life. On the plus side, we will never have to deal with lack of leg room in an airplane or be too tall to date someone–and I would consider those some perks of being tiny!