by Paige Bosio
Guidance counselor Angie Wilcox is a Leap Year baby. Only one in 1,461 people have a leap year birthday. Right now, there are an estimated 200,000 leapers in the U.S. and about 5 million worldwide. Leap Day only exists because a solar year is slightly longer than our average 365 days a year, so it requires an extra day every 4 years.
Wilcox describes what it is like to have such a unique birthday.
Q: How do you feel about being born on Leap Day?
A: When I was little I did not like it. It was definitely confusing, like the time I was celebrating my 8th birthday and someone told me I was technically 2. I like it now though, because it makes me feel unique.
Q: Are there any advantages to being born on Leap Day?
A: It is a good conversation starter, since not a lot of people have their birthday on that day. Plus I can say I am younger than I really am.
Q: How did you celebrate your birthday each year?
A: My parents threw parties for me like everyone else. We celebrated it on February 28, since my mom wanted to keep it in the same month.
Q: How do you celebrate your birthday now?
A: I go out with friends. I went to New York City on the weekend with my friends for my birthday this year.
Q: What is your most memorable birthday?
A: When I went to Las Vegas with my girlfriends. That was 4 years ago, the previous Leap Day (not this year).
