I’ve never really liked my name, Waleska.

I’ve experienced bullying because of it, especially in elementary and middle school. I felt anxiety on the first days of school every year, especially when teachers would call my name during roll call.

“Walaska?” “Waleskie?” It was always some sort of guessing game, and it left me burying my head under my hands with embarrassment. It’s really not that hard to pronounce: Wa-les-ka.

My mom had originally wanted to name me Daniela, a tribute to my great-great grandfather, Daniel. But everything changed when my pregnant mom visited a cell phone store and met a female worker named Waleska. Something about the name captivated her, and just like that, it became my first name.

Because I didn’t like my name, I went by Walle—pronounced like Wally—in elementary and middle school. It was a cute nickname, inspired by the lovable robot from one of my favorite Disney movies. Plus, it was simpler than Waleska. My family still calls me that as a nickname.

But when I entered high school, Walle felt too childish. I wanted a more mature name, so at the time I went by my middle name, Daniela.

Then I started at AACC, and I became tired of telling teachers and students who saw “Waleska” on their class lists to call me Daniela. So I decided to correct teachers on how to pronounce Waleska, and slowly, I started to embrace it.

The turning point came when I discovered a music artist named Laufey, who also faced bullying for her name and had to correct people on how to pronouce it. Her story resonated with me. I related to her song, “Letter to My 13-Year-Old Self,” especially the line, “Try to say your foreign name and laugh.”

It was a reminder that I wasn’t alone.

I dug deeper into the origin of my name, which means “ruler of the people” and is a name of Polish and Puerto Rican descent. Suddenly, I saw it in a new light. As the features editor of Campus Current, it made me want to be a good role model for the reporters and showcase good leadership. It felt empowering to know that my name carried significance.

There is also a cool city in Georgia called Waleska.

Now, I appreciate Waleska for what it is, a unique name that tells a story. It’s a reminder of my roots, my mom’s decision and the journey I’ve taken to accept it as part of my identity, and I wouldn’t change it for anything.

So, to everyone who hates their name, I get it. Especially when others say it wrong or you get bullied for it.

Just remember, your name is a part of your story and identity. Embrace it, even if it takes time. It can hold special meaning or connect you to your roots, or even inspire you.

Your name is unique to you, and that’s something to be proud of.