Small people aren't always shortchanged

You know the famous line, "I see dead people"? I have another saying that is very similar: I see big people.

Now, don't take this one wrong: I'm saying big -- not fat. The truth is, nearly everyone is taller than I am, even my 13-year-old stepbrother. I'm 4 feet, 6 inches tall.

Because of my short stature, I have become accustomed to several things -- staying away from large crowds, for instance. People don't see me half the time, and I end up being knocked over. I have to sit on not one but two pillows to drive, and in class I occasionally have to strain to see over the heads in front of me.

But for all the complaining, there are good things that come from being short.

Some people underestimate me. They think since I'm so tiny, I have to be a sweet, soft-spoken person. My height gives me the element of surprise on that one. I'm also able to duck out of groups easily, hide without much effort and sneak up on people without giving them the slightest indication I'm coming.

I'm not alone on being short -- Judy Garland and Nell Carter were 4 1/2 feet tall, Brenda Lee is 4 feet 9 inches, Estelle Getty is 4 feet 10 inches and Joan of Arc was 4 feet 11 inches.

My point? Being short doesn't mean lacking. Joan of Arc led a revolution. Judy Garland paved the way for many actresses. Estelle Getty gave us Sophia Petrillo.

I don't know what I'm going to give to the world or when I will do it. But trust me:You'll see me coming whenever I do!

Emily Hendricks is a senior at Central High School in Cape Girardeau.