Humans are all built differently. Characteristics vary greatly, creating the “melting pot” of a world where we inhabit. Unfortunately, these differences can make people feel insecure and cause problems if left unchecked.

No matter what peoples’ philosophies regarding inner and outer beauty are, it can be difficult to shake the feeling of inadequacy when standing next to someone a full six inches taller. This feeling grows as the difference in height increases. Being taller tends to portray a position of power and authority, a certain coolness, and a sense of being “smooth.”

At only four feet and nine inches, most of the world is quite literally over Kayla Wilson, junior’s, head. Consequently, Wilson has to reach for everything ranging from groceries to the door handles of tall cars.

While most short people despise their height, Wilson loves her status as “short”.

“I am in my very own category that I like to call ‘fun-sized.’ It may sound strange, but I don’t mind my height as much as most short people do and I love the fact that I won’t have to worry about how tall the guy I date in the future is, about 99 percent of teenage guys are going to be taller than me. Also, I love that I can wear heels as high as I want, plus the fact that I can sometimes sneak my way into carnivals at the kids’ price and I am still able to eat off the children’s menu which saves me some green,” said Wilson.

Unfortunately, with the positives, the negatives inevitably follow. Wilson’s biggest pet peeve is when people mistakenly believe that she is 12 years old.

“When people say this, I just stare at them and laugh,” said Wilson.

Persistent assumptions still bother Wilson.

“The fact that society judges me on my height and assumes my age before even looking at my face is very irritating,” said Wilson.

However, there are still those who see past Wilson’s height.

“Along these same lines, I still get asked if I am a freshman,” said Wilson.

The phrase, “everyone is different” has been utilized to coddle and comfort children, and it can still be heard throughout the progression into adulthood. While this fact may appear obvious, some people get so caught up in everyday life that they forget to remind themselves of it.  More importantly, they forget to accept it.