My Growing Journey: When Did I Stop Growing?
As a teenager, my growth journey was not just a casual process but a significant phase of my life. I stopped growing vertically when I was in 9th grade, which was around age 14. This marked the end of a period of significant change that saw me grow from a petite 4′11″ (149.86 cm) in 7th grade to a much taller 5′7″ (170.18 cm) by 9th grade. Since then, I have not experienced further vertical growth, although I have slightly shrunk over the years to my current height of approximately 5′6″ (168 cm).
A Tale of Rapid Growth
Beyond the vertical growth phase, my journey of growing continues in unconventional ways. I discovered that within a relatively short period, specifically since the onset of the pandemic, I had grown to an impressive 7’3” (221 cm) tall in the morning. This growth journey led me from a height of 5’9” (1.75 cm) at the age of 17 to my current towering stature. My late bloomer status was only confirmed by my mother, who recently stated I was 7’1.5” (2.17 cm).
Comparative Growth Trends
It’s interesting to note that my growth curve is quite different from many others. At the age of 15, I measured myself and found myself to be 5.93 ft (1.81 m). Now, at the ripe age of 23, I stand at 6 ft (1.83 m), a change that I find to be minimal but welcome.
Other individuals may experience significant changes in height or appearance throughout their teenage years, while some might not grow at all. Regardless of one’s growth pattern, it’s important to remember that everyone’s journey is unique. My growth experience reflects a typical late-bloomer pattern, where growth continues later in adolescence.
My High School Years
Similar to many, my growth journey during high school was a period of transformation. I recall being around 5′11″ (1.80 cm) towards the end of grade 12. Currently, I stand at an impressive 6′4″ (1.93 cm), marking a growth of over 8 inches (20 cm). This change signifies a prolonged period of growth, with my growth stopping around my 19th birthday.
Winter of Woes
During my teenage years, the growth spurt was not a smooth process. At age 14, I was 4 ft 10.5 inches (1.44 cm) tall, and within the following summer, I grew an additional foot to 5 ft 10.5 inches (1.79 cm). This period was marked by significant physical changes, including rapid weight gain from 95 lbs (43.1 kg) to 125 lbs (56.7 kg), and the inevitable consequences of outgrowing shoes and clothing. This growth spurt was a challenging time, as I spent much of that summer in pain, especially as I outgrew my shoes and clothing, triggering a period of adjustment.