Why do you do what you do paper

[Emily Crowley]

Emily Crowley10/15/09Art and Architecture Section 1OPachecoWhy do you do what you do?My dad is 5’8’’ and my mom is 5’4,’’ with these genetics it comes as no surprise that I stand an overwhelming 5’1.’’ I grew up always underestimated because of my small stature. I have been called “shorty” or “peewee” from first grade on. I was always looked at as being too petite for any type of athletics and this point was even validated by the fact I could not ride my first rollercoaster until I was ten. The height problem only increased once I got into high school. Being labeled this certain way always somehow made me feel less valuable. As if I was this short person incapable of accomplishing certain goals that taller people set for themselves. Even though I was feet away from it, I always felt I had a ceiling right above my head limiting me from exceeding all expectations. I felt this until I was a sophomore in high school. Something great happened that year: I found an activity made for short people. I joined the rowing team at a club near my house and became a coxswain. This position is meant for girls that weigh little and are usually about 5’0’’ tall. For the first time in my life I felt extremely useful and even tall! Rowing has opened up a new world for me where people understand I am an important part of the sport. I must guide the boat and motivate the rowers to keep pushing ahead. It gave me confidence in my height and the feeling I was vital. Now my height never affects me. I might as well be 5’10’’ with the confidence I possess. The feeling of being limited never bothers me anymore. Now when people underestimate me due to my height I look at it as a challenge I plan to win. Because little ones pack a punch is why I do what I do.