Why I'm not impressed by remarkable youth

Tuesday, October 14, 2014

People are always so impressed when young people accomplish great things. 

If you do something cool and you happen to be a kid, the attention isn’t focused on whatever cool thing you’ve done, but on the fact that you’re a kid. You are a writer / musician / smartie at just 16! 


Take 17 year-old Malala Yousafzai, who last week was announced as the joint recipient and the youngest-ever winner of the Nobel peace prize. Although much of the media attention was focused on Yousafzai’s numerous achievements and successes, just as many people were preoccupied with her youth. Riding on the back of this sentiment, the the New York Magazine ran an article in which famous writers and actors were asked what they were doing at age 17. “Malala Yousafzai was winning the Nobel prize: “What were you doing, you unremarkable young person, you?”


My latest piece for Birdee Mag, on why you shouldn't feel like a failure if people your age accomplish amazing things, and why remarkable kids should be acknowledged for their accomplishments, not their age. You should read the rest. If you want.

P.S. It's exam season! Hence, my sudden month-long blog absence. I have lots of good stuff coming up though; lovely authors I've interviewed and so many wonderful new books I've read lately to tell you about. I hope you're having a good October!
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