By ANDREA S.
Hello darling. What would you like to be called?
I’m asking you this because, although we are all born with a certain name, it doesn’t mean we have to go by it. At any point in life, if your given name tires you, you can discard it like a dress you’ve grown out of and adopt a nickname or your middle name instead. Having this freedom is a beautiful thing that allows you the flexibility to grow in and out of yourself.
I can’t say that I have practiced this freedom. My name is Andrea, and that is what I have always gone by, aside from the few people who occasionally call me Andë (Andie, Andy, it’s all pronounced the same). However, recently, I have decided to be more open to possibilities, and have invited more of my friends to call me by this shorthand.
Upon sharing this decision with a few friends, I have had different reactions. I’ve had some friends respect my decision, and be enthusiastic actually, that I have taken it upon myself to make this small change in order to express my maturing and unordinary self during this first step into my twenties. Andrea is the name of my childhood, and I will never be that person again. Why not flirt with the idea of evolving my name too?
However, I have also gotten reactions on the opposite side of the spectrum; I have been told that apparently we are not allowed to give ourselves our own nickname. But why not? We shape our lives every day, by the small and big decisions we make. Sure, not all of them end up being the best of choices, but we learn from those mistakes. So if I want to make the decision to be called by my nickname, then respect my life choice. And if I regret this decision down the road, that is when you have the right to say “I told you so.”
Furthermore, I resent the idea that my name and persona are shaped exclusively by the opinions and judgments of other people. Why do other people have the sole right to award me the name that I am supposed to go by the rest of my life? My parents have already done that, therefore, I do not need my friends to do the same.
We are changing all the time, especially during our twenties, so if you feel the need to change your name while you’re at it, then go for it! Take a chance and own the name that you feel suits you best.
Photo by Tatum Fjerstad
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ABOUT ANDREA:
Andrea has no clue what to say for a catchy opening to her bio. Besides over-thinking the easy decisions in life, Andrea spends her time studying Psychology as a sophomore at the University of Mary Washington and being on their dance team. She also enjoys monogramming everything possible, searching Pinterest for her next DIY and going to the gym to scope out the hunks… and work out. Andrea aspires to be a combination of Kate Middleton and Kylie and Kendall Jenner, or be one of their high end psychologists… whichever happens first is fine by her.
