frustrated

[sweetpea03]

I have been helping out at a local hospital doing volunteer work for the last few months. I enjoy it a lot for the most part, but get very frustrated when my opinion or what I say doesn't mean as much because of my age. Yes, I'm 20 and younger than most there, but that doesn't mean I'm stupid or immature. I had been talking to a resident who had taken what I said seriously, but after finding out my age, no longer seems to really take into account what I have to say. I really felt like lying about my age just to be treated like another adult. It's as if I don't have enough "experience" to be seen equally, yet they don't know the half of what I really know. I never voluntarily bring up my age since I want to be taken seriously. I don't think there's much I can do to get them to see me differently. Maybe it's just one of those things that I'll have to deal with, but I wish it would change.

[jrobertson20]

I am sorry they are treating your this way.  I started working in the medical field at 20 years old.  Nobody really thought I knew what I was talking.  It was hard to do but I proved them so wrong.  Just keep saying what you think.  Don't let them make you feel that way.  Stand up for what you think is right.  It is hard and it will take some time but you will get there.  Good luck.

[imanaddict]

The next time someone asks your age, say, "How old do you think I am?" and don't answer them. It's actually none of anyone's business. You're volunteering, they should be grateful to you for taking time out of your day to come and work for free! It does sound like you got off the hook with the resident that took you too seriously until he found out your age. That would be a good thing! =)

[sweetpea03]

I should clear that up. I said I felt like lying, but never have about my age...

it's just annoying that I'm looked down on because I'm younger. What's the difference? So they've lived longer. doesn't mean they have more life experience.

[penswriter]

lying won't make them respect you.