Being blessed with a height of 5’7” at only sixteen years old makes me feel an alien in my own country. Filipino people are known for being short, not for being tall so living in an environment wherein height seems to be a big deal is quite a struggle for me. I am pretty sure several could relate with me.
My dad is 5’10” tall and my mom stands 5’8”. This is probably the reason why I am this tall. I believe I am insanely tall for my age and it is in our genes I guess, especially on the side of my mom. From the first day I was born up to this day, I have always been the tallest person, if not, the tallest girl in any groups I have been to. That is why I feel awkward sometimes whenever I’m with my friends because people would stare at me and start commenting about my height. When I go out of the house, take a jeepney, go to school, go shopping at malls, attend church or even at family gatherings, people had always something to say regarding my height. People would even often think that I am already eighteen above because of my height. I believe this is one of the reasons for my insecurities and for my being conscious all the time. My friends had the same height, and being with them would just make me feel different from them (simang bah!). This I think is also the reason why I would walk alone or would just prefer not to be accompanied by anybody because it would make me feel conscious all the more.
Honestly, I really get pissed off when people ask me, “Gayle, why are you so tall?” (“ngano taas man ka?”) Like duh, is it something to be asked about? Well, God made me this way, that is the answer I guess. I also get annoyed when people tell me “You are so tall!” (“taasa jud nimu ui!”) It is maybe because I hear it all the time so hearing it over and over again would lead irritation to my eardrum. But I have been used to it already and have already accepted that I would not be able to escape from it until I day.
But you know what, I did not let those comments from other people made me insecure all the more. I did not allow it to stick in my mind. I did not let it destroy my self-esteem. I just kept on telling myself that I am unique because not everyone could have this height. Others would even tell me that they are jealous of my height. Hearing these words from other people actually helps me. Even if I feel awkward with my height, I never slouched just to look shorter. I never let my insecurities intervene me. I still walk with confidence and grace showing people that I do not care with what they say. So what if stand 5’7” at sixteen right?
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