In my previous young adulthood years, I noticed myself stuck in the awkward not an adult, but not a child paradigm. As I mentioned yesterday, I am finally beginning to feel like a legitmate grown up, but in the years up to this point, it was a very ambiguous and uncomfortable stage to navigate. I think most young adults, particularly college students can agree, that many times it feels like you are way to young to actually be an adult. In fact, adulthood seems to be an convenience term. For instance, we insist upon being treated like adults and considered for adult priveledges--voting, drinking, dating, making one's own decisions, etc. However, there are times we insist upon maintaining our juvenile rights as well: "I'm too young to pay bills; you can't expect that out of me--I'm just a kid; I shouldn't have to worry about that, that's my parents' job!" How ironic to insist upon the rights of an adult, only to self-proclaim immunity through immaturity.
Anyway, like I said, I am finally easing out of that awkward stage, but as a "career woman," I am now faced with the challenge of getting others to take me seriously as an adult. Fortunately, I have been able to win over most skeptics through my "professional" behavior and competence. But it remains an interesting and often humorous endeavor. I only wonder how my 22 year old sister navigates this challenge and my soon to be dentist sister who is not only a mere 25 year old, but a female in a male dominated profession.
A few days ago I introduced myself to my 50-60 year old male client. He greeted me with a, "So, you think you can help me, huh?" I playfully responded, "I sure hope so!" to which he replied, "I seriously doubt that." Fortunately, by the end of our appointment, he shook my hand and admitted that I was a pleasure and that he was pleasantly surprised by our interaction and anticipated working with me in the future.
One associate told me that she imagined the employer visits I regularly make would be ineffective. She was sure her professional friends who only half listen to me, roll their eyes when I left, and forget everything I said. She recommended I bring a more mature colleague with me as I look like I am 12 years old.
Often my own students are surprised at how young I am. One young man entered my office and exclaimed, "Woah! You are so young!" To which I responded, "Yes, but I have a master's degree in this stuff if that makes you feel better. You are welcome to see one of my colleagues if that makes you more comfortable." We resumed the interaction.
I am always mistaken for a student, which is definitely understandable. I do try to dress appropriately to distinguish myself, but I have still had students ask me if I am a student worker. A puzzling concept that a student would be trusted to advise students in important career decisions.
I admit, there is no doubt I lack years of experience. But as a young person, I am proud of my energy, creativity, and ability to connect with the majority of my clients, who are my peers. Research shows that students learn and react most positively through their peers. Plus, where I am young, I think I am a model to other students as to how one can purposefully pursue their goals and ultimately, a career. I love being young and I do not wish to be older. And while it can be a challenge to gain buy-in from older professionals, it is a challenge I enjoy taking on--to prove someone wrong about their preconceptions. I also wager when I am experienced and their is no challenge to my adulthood, I'll wish I was young again (or at least had my young body again!).
3 comments:
Just keep doing what you are doing and it will all work out. Don't be too big of a hurry to get 'old' and respectable. I always say 'you can't fake experiance', you are just on the front end of it. UVU is lucky to have you and someday you will face with a decision of whether or not to, taking your experiance somewhere else.
You were born 30 years old weren't you? You have always been a bit mature for your age. Looking young will be a blessing the older you get. Look on the bright side, some people look older than they are. You could be 25 and look 40.
Yeah-- sometimes its frustrating. Recently, i know the lady took one look at my age and wouldn't listen to what else I had to say. Oh well. Like you say, in the long run, I guess it will be a good thing.
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