Small Packages

Research has shown that an opinion of a person based on a first impression is formed in one-tenth of a second. The first impression is made by facial features and expressions. In a tenth of a second, a person can only have time to observe physical attributes. Therefore, physical features determine much of a person’s concept of one’s personality.

The most common response I receive when I tell someone I'm an exercise physiology major is, "No wonder you're so skinny." Because of my major and my interests, I tend to engage myself in activities and hobbies that require physical agility, but I've always been small and petite. Often people will jump to the conclusion that if a person works out regularly, they must think of themselves as fat. That assumption is not consistently true. For some, it may be the case that they perceive their physical bodies in a negative fashion and turn to exercise. Others, such as myself, engage in exercise because it boosts self-esteem, promotes good health, and develops self-discipline. 

Lucas and I have been called to teach the 14/15 year olds in Sunday school. So far, we've really enjoyed preparing lessons, becoming acquainted with, and praying about these wonderful youth we serve. Lucas and I take turns preparing the lesson to facilitate the learning of the youth. 

I was a little bit nervous my first time teaching, but I have taught enough relief society lessons and given enough class presentations to disregard my feelings of nervousness. We had been informed that it was ward conference week, but our bishopric was not sure if they would have a stake leader teach our class or not, so I prepared the lesson. I was writing on the board when two stake brethren came in. I asked them if they had a lesson prepared, but they seemed excited that I had a lesson prepared. They said, "This is great. We'll just go off what you have."

Shortly afterward, Lucas walked into the classroom and I placed my hand on his leg and said, "Sweetheart, why don't you select someone to give the prayer." After the prayer ended, one of the brethren had a red face and said, "I'm sorry, we thought you were one of the youth and we were so excited that you had something prepared to share with us since it is encouraged with the new Come Follow Me program."

Lucas and I chuckled about it for days and our families thought it was especially funny. Standing 5 foot and weighing under 100 pounds, I can see how they would make the mistake. On top of that, I have a naturally young face which may have gotten into both my sisters' and my genes. Just last month, my super tough sister did a 5k mud run and her new girlfriends thought she wasn't drinking the free beer because she wasn't old enough. She's pretty proud to say that at 31 with 5 kids, she still looks under 21. I can't wait until people stop asking me if I'm graduated from high school (happened today) and I too can be proud of my young looks. :)