I recall this memory occasionally, especially at the beginning of the school year, when I learn new names and new faces. I remember this because it is bittersweet. I am very fortunate for parents who named me a beautiful and UNIQUE name without even trying, yet it was hard growing up with my name being mispronounced (even though my parents did it phonetically). Being UNIQUE led to name calling or shortcuts, enough to make me wish my name was Melissa. However, a UNIQUE name built my ego because I owned being special and one-of-a-kind. I tend to connect names with personality due to my past experience. I look for the uniqueness of a name, and also my apologetic quickness when I mispronounced a name. Because I have been there.
"What’s in a name? That which we call a rose
By any other word would smell as sweet." R&J Act II Scene II
A name is just a name that can take any unique form. All that matters is what I want my name to stand for. Hence, my ego. So, to all my students embrace your name and make it mean something.