The following conversation is an exchange between me and one of the girls in our group. We're greeting the students, making small talk, get-to-know you type stuff.
Me: So where are you from
Girl: I'm from Las Vegas
Me: Oh, that's where my husband's from!
Girl: What? You're MARRIED? (look of disbelief on her face)
Me: yes, yes I am...
Girl: you look like you're eighteen! How OLD are you???
Me: ... um I'm going on 22... (In my head: that would be four years older than you to begin with...)
Girl: I just can't believe you're married. You look like eighteen!
Me: polite smile (In my head: yeah, we went over that part already)
So, I get it that I look young, I really do. I also realize I married young.
But really? Is it not just a teeny bit rude to act so shocked? And to essentially tell someone they look like a child bride? And to demand proof of their age?
And really? Do I look like a freshman? I mean I was wearing a big goofy Y-group leader t-shirt, I guess that does look very "teenager-ish". I know I have big round cheeks. And yes, I know, I'll look young when I'm a middle-aged woman. yippee.
Sometimes this worries me though. I hope people don't see me and think "oh look a dumb blond teenager" and then skip over me for opportunities I am MORE than qualified for.
I'll simply let them know I just set the curve in my tv news producing class.
When I turned in my first paper at BYU, my professor thought it was so good that he ran it through plagiarism detection software to make sure I had actually written it. And promptly gave it 100%. I work as a translator alongside people who have masters degrees. I'm on the way to graduating without debt because I've been WORKING my way through college. I've made it to the back-up ballroom team because I saw them perform on BYUTV and said to myself: "I want to be on that stage." Last year, I danced on that stage. And again this year. And I will next year.
Oh, and I met the best man on earth and married him. Why wait if it's the right decision?! I can't stand arguments like "marriage will prevent you from fulfilling your academic dreams." Actually, my husband is pushing me towards them.
And you know what? I'm GLAD I married young. I know what direction my life is going and I'm glad I can start planning for the future with my husband.
Sorry about the brag fest. But sometimes you have to remind yourself that you are capable of things. I know what I'm worth.
Doesn't that deserve a little respect from little miss freshman?
What are you proud of?
PS: THIS is what a real child bride looks like.
(Yep, that's me with my mom's veil)
Oh and by the way, I've decided to give twitter a try, but it's not much fun without friends. Come check it out!
