I've always claimed every year I could when teaching
Larry Send a noteboard - 09/08/2010 09:51:45 PM
So, the other day, at a semi-formal event representing my boss, an older gentleman approached me and started making small talk. After a bit, he commented on how young I seemed, I couldn't be older than 31. I chuckled and told him that my 24th Birthday is next week, and that killed the conversation. He was embarrassed that his guess was 7 years off, and I was a bit offended that anyone would think I'm in my thirties just yet.
1. Would you be offended if someone guessed you were 7 years older than you are?
I would be surprised, since the usual guess is that I'm about 24-25 years old still. Being up to a dozen years off my age can be annoying when I don't want to be considered near the same age as my students.
2. Do you think people assume "professionals" have to be older than 24?
Perhaps. Then again, I student taught at 24 and was confused for a HS junior.
3. What would you do if someone guessed that far off on your age?
Depending on the situation, I might politely correct them, or just casually mention that 1/3 of my hair is graying now

4. Is it better to be perceived as your actual age, or to be perceived as older/more mature? Is it better to be perceived as younger?
While I like to be thought of as more "mature" than I really am, it's not all that important. After all, cougars can be a compliment...I suppose

5. I should just get over it, and realize that one guy is bad at guessing ages... right?
You probably should just get around to getting older, you know

Illusions fall like the husk of a fruit, one after another, and the fruit is experience. - Narrator, Sylvie
Je suis méchant.
Je suis méchant.

Age
09/08/2010 09:18:48 PM
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Re: Age
09/08/2010 09:32:21 PM
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In the US you're supposed to graduate college at 22.
10/08/2010 06:19:43 AM
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Or 21, surely, assuming one was born after May? *NM*
10/08/2010 08:08:25 AM
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If they turn 22 later that year, I'm counting them as 22. Just a little rounding. *NM*
11/08/2010 01:26:00 AM
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I've always claimed every year I could when teaching
09/08/2010 09:51:45 PM
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I try to hold off on aging... it's odd to be still in my BA while 24 years old.
10/08/2010 12:05:32 AM
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Especially since I had already earned my MA by 23
10/08/2010 01:29:06 AM
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Pretty sure that's the norm. *NM*
10/08/2010 03:21:34 AM
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Not really, not in my field anyways
10/08/2010 04:06:22 AM
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That hasn't been my experience. There are many 1 year MA programs now.
10/08/2010 08:09:13 AM
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Re: Age
10/08/2010 04:29:40 AM
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Re: Age
10/08/2010 06:32:53 AM
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11/08/2010 12:21:31 AM
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Surely, I would. *NM*
11/08/2010 12:47:21 AM
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I was only telling the truth!
*NM*
11/08/2010 11:48:47 PM
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The truth shall set you free... into the cold arms of death.
*NM*
12/08/2010 12:00:58 AM
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What do you want for your birthday?
10/08/2010 04:35:47 AM
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I would assume he's joking.
10/08/2010 06:16:13 AM
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