What's in a name? That which we call a rose, by any other word would smell as sweet.
By Jia Thakkar AIII-B (W/74) Wednesday, Apr 24, 2024
Let us give a shout-out to our parents for bequeathing us the ultimate life tag - our name! We have probably reflected on how their helicopter parenting, warmth or approach influenced us, but what about that name they picked? How do we feel about it, and what do others think?
Our name is the first thing people learn about us, and it's something we carry with us throughout our lives. It's a label that can either make us feel proud and confident or self-conscious and insecure. Some people may have grown up with a name that was difficult to pronounce or spell, causing them frustration and embarrassment. Others may have a name that is unique or unusual, which can make them stand out in a positive or negative way.
In the ethereal realm of perception, certain names, like Michele, Lawrence, and Reginald are shimmered with an aura of competence, commanding the attention of those who heard them. Meanwhile, like a name like Dakshayani Rajya Lakshmi would make us feel like it is a name of a south Indian as we have a stereotypical mentality that all south Indians have long names, but she is from Rajasthan or like Gayatri would not make us feel like she is an atheist. On hearing a name like Angel Airan, we would comprehend that she is a Christian though, she is an Indian and a Hindu.
Regardless of how we feel about our name, it's important to remember that it's a part of our identity. We can choose to embrace it and make it our own, or we can decide to go by a nickname or change it altogether. At the end of the day, what matters most is how we feel about ourselves and the people we surround ourselves with. So, let's take a moment to appreciate and reflect on the name that was given to us by our loved ones, and how it has shaped us into the person we are today.
Jia Thakkar AIII-B (W/74)
