Years ago, I was visiting my sister and brother-in-law. My brother-in-law’s nieces were over as well, which leads me to believe it was probably either Thanksgiving or my nephew’s birthday, though the reason for the occasion hardly matters.
At some point, my BIL’s niece, let’s call her Sandra, was talking about people’s ages — hers, her teacher’s, her friends’ — and I asked her how old she thought I was. Her answer, after a moment of careful consideration, was that I was, “At least 55.”
Reader, I was in my twenties.
We all know children aren’t good at estimating adult ages, but my point here is this: Everyone’s idea of “young” and “old” is different. I don’t mean that in some vaguely creepy “age is relative” way. Your age is your age. It can be measured objectively. But we in the good, ol’ United States have some funny ideas about youth.
Of course, I bring this up because this week’s issue of the Flyer is our “20<30” issue, our annual celebration of the young people who are doing the work of shaping the city. This year’s class is, like the 12 classes that have come before, made up of an inspiring group of Memphians working to make the city a better place — a safer, more musical, more tech-savvy city full of opportunities and hometown pride. I say this with absolute honesty and conviction — they inspire me. It’s impressive to see so many people so devoted to bringing out the best of what the Bluff City has to offer. So I both salute and thank you, our 20<30 class of 2022. At the same time, though, I want to caution any of our readers who are feeling like they haven’t made the leap yet — whatever leap, whatever goal lives in the back of your mind — that it’s not too late. Heck, Joseph Conrad was 32 before he began writing his first novel, let alone published it. There may or may not be a typical path to success in your chosen field, but who’s to say you have to follow the path anyway? I first published a story in a newspaper when I was about 16 — in The Chester County Independent — but my real career in journalism didn’t begin until I was 28. Some might say that’s too late to begin a new endeavor, but some might also learn to keep their noses out of other people’s business.
We live in a system that is, by definition, built on competition, so it’s no surprise that most people spend some time and energy comparing themselves to others. It’s such an easy trap to fall into, but it’s ultimately meaningless. We don’t all share the same goals, so neither should we feel forced to work on the same timelines. Do the work. Get there when you get there.
In the meantime, please join me in congratulating the Flyer’s newest 20<30 honorees. Let’s all dream of — and work toward — a happier, healthier, more hopeful Memphis together.
