I’ve never been used to being the ‘anomaly.’ But going back to school pretty late in the game, I had to prepare myself for being surrounded by those who are (practically) a generation younger than me. It’s amazing to me when I mention some pop cultural references (Saved by the Bell, Full House, etc.), and the kids have no idea what I’m talking about. Most of them were born after the LA riots, in diapers during the OJ trial, and were just children during 9/11. The age difference also becomes a bit more pronounced when we’re all supposed to be collectively freaking about certain school-related things such as grades or a job interview, and I can’t help but come off a bit more nonchalant. I guess when I have friends dealing with “real life” issues (e.g. motherhood, in-laws, divorce), I’m not going to be wasting too much of my energy on why I got a B in that class. When my classmates found out how old I was, they were not only shocked, but maybe a bit pleased in knowing they have an “older” friend in her 30s.

I had to go through this whole “age reveal” ordeal with my fellow interns as well, except it was even worse because there were not only law school students, but undergrads & high school students (!!) at my current internship (If I was a teen mom, one of them could’ve been my daughter). This time when I dropped the bomb, one intern was visibly “shook,” exclaiming that not only do I look really young, but that I act really young. I tried to take this as meaning that I come off as spry and youthful – not with the connotation of immaturity.

Though a part of me makes me wonder if I do act and come off too young for my age? I guess I have never been very good at “adulting” (ugh hate that word), and I already have some insecurities with feeling “behind” in life, especially when compared to my peers who have full-fledged careers, families, and homes. I don’t normally voice these insecurities, but when I do, friends try to encourage me by saying that everyone has their own path/timeline. Amal Clooney got married in her mid-30s and had babies at 39! Though I’m no Amal, I think I’ve come to recognize that my path is/will be a bit unconventional.