Names play a huge role in society today. They can be used to categorize, make assumptions, and describe heritage. I am usually called Christy- a nickname my mom and dad have called me since I was little. Christy means "from Christ" which is an accurate description of my beliefs. My religion is very important to me and I try to spread God's word, which is why I take a lot of pride in the meaning of my name. Christine-my actual name- simply means "follower of Christ". I like to go by my nickname because it sounds more informal, while Christine sounds elegant and more feminine. My full name reads Christine Samatha Johnson, that's right, s.a.m.a.t.h.a. Why did my mom misspell Samantha on my own official birth certificate? Truth is- she didn't.
The omission of the "n" was purposeful actually. If the "n" were to be included in the name, then the word "man" be hidden in between the "Sa" and the "tha"-unrecognizable, but not to my mom. She did not want the word man in my name because it did not accurately describe my gender or my personality. I think my name provides a pretty accurate generalization of my personality but it does not define me. One could assume that I am white, because of my name. One could assume I am female, because of my name. And one could assume I am Christian, because of my name. But, in no way is white, Christian, and female the definition of Christy Johnson.
There is a time when I feel like I have to act a different personality because of the groups I am a part of. At school, I have classes with other IB diploma peers and teachers. When I am in class, I feel an urge to act more composed, well-thought out, and academically excellent to impress friends and teachers. However, when I am alone or with my family, I can act differently and feel less pressure to be accepted. At home I am more energetic, silly, and communicative, while at school I try to assume a role of being a “good” student by expressing myself with curiosity, being a leader, and being involved. But sometimes, it’s good to be a follower. If Jesus did not have any followers than where would Christianity be today? Or my name for that matter? I admit, sometimes I am content with NOT knowing the answer. These characteristics of a good student are in fact “good”, but it is important to keep a balance. I just choose to exercise my balance in different “me’s” because I feel as though I am more accepted during those appropriate times.
I really enjoyed reading your interpretation of the meaning of your name (probably because we have such similar names)! The meanings of both of our names are very similar in the way that they are both focused around Christianity. Yet, it was very interesting to see how we both compared the meaning of our names to what describes who we are. I'm not very religious, and it seems like you are, but we both had the same central idea that there's a lot more to who we are than what our name just says. It was intriguing to see a common interpretation, but from two very different perspectives.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Chris's comment- the "translation" of your name was really cool to see.
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