Have you always been tall?

I’ve always been a head or a half a head above everyone. I was like a normal-sized infant, but I grew faster than everyone. I’ve basically been the tallest kid for my whole life.

What’s it like being so big?

I get judged a lot. A lot of people’s first reaction when they see me is, “Wow, he’s tall!” instead of “Hi, how are you doing?” People will stop and say, “Damn, you’re tall!” A lot of people stop what they’re doing, slow down and do the gentle look up. It’s gotten to the point where it’s pretty annoying.

What’s the best part about being your height? Are there advantages to being so tall?

I have the benefit of seeing over people’s heads in the hallway, but I’ve hit my head a lot and that hurts so it’s more of a struggle than it is a privilege. People recognize me more.

What about limitations?

There’s a lot of things I can’t do because I’m so tall. My legs are longer, so I can’t sit in a lot of places. Airplanes are a nightmare. I’ve had a lot of growing pains because I grew so fast.

How do you handle doors?

I duck through every door whether I need to or not because sometimes they’ll deceive me and I’ll hit my head.

Even at your house?

I can’t even stand in my room. I have to hunch my back everywhere in my house except for my living room.

How about cars? Can you fit?

In the driver seat and the passenger seat, yes. In the back? No.

How do you feel about people always commenting on your height?

Everyone says, “Wow, you must be so proud of it.” Or “you must think about it a lot.” I don’t.  It’s like breathing to me. I’m not gonna look at every place I go and say, “Wow, I couldn’t fit in that.” It’s not like they’re being rash or rude. They’re just reacting to seeing a tall person and it startles them sometimes. I mean, I guess I always have something to talk about.

Do people always ask you if you play basketball?

Day one of walking into this school, the coach walks up to me: “Wanna play basketball?” That was freshman year. I walked into center hall and the coach was standing there. I mean, I can dunk but I’m not gonna play basketball.

So do you worry about your height?

It’s not something that’ll keep me up at night. But, like, if I’m in public and I’ve already noticed that a few people have noticed how tall I am, then I’ll kinda feel afraid to keep going around outside because I don’t want to keep being judged by people. When I’m sitting down, I don’t look too tall so people will talk to me. I’ll stand up and then all of a sudden I’m a completely different person.

What are your interests?

I’ve always been interested in the theater and music departments, so the performing arts. My sister did the same thing and I always looked up to her and I always thought it was fun. I liked singing. It made me happy. I felt comfortable on stage and I didn’t get stage fright so I thought, why not? I’ve been in choir for all the time I’ve been at Grant and it’s my favorite thing.

Has your height ever helped you stand out in acting?

It’s hard for me to be just a regular role standing next to other people because I’ll be towering over them. Every time I do, whoever’s my director makes fun of it.

What do you see yourself doing in the future?

I really just plan on doing things with music in my future and being a music major. I’ve been accepted to and I’m going to [Portland State University].

Is there anything more that people should know about you?

I’m a person, too. I have feelings. I’m not just that tall guy. ◊