What's In A Name

My full birth name is Melissa Dawn Lyons.


I once asked my mother why I was named Melissa since it isn't a name that is found in our family heritage. I found that I was named after a very good friend of my mother in college. I don't know what I expected but it wasn't that.

Then comes my childhood nickname that continues often times to this day which is Missy. I did learn that my mom and dad did intend always to call me Melissa but my first onsie given to me by my grandmother was embroidered with Missy and that was the end of that. So I was Missy until my college days and especially my working days. Sometimes it is hard now because I can be called by either and will answer to both. The more informal, means they have become closer friends I feel.

And what does the name Melissa me? Honey Bee. Honey Bee? Really? What am I supposed to do with that. I guess in Greek mythology there was some importance but a bee? I guess given my name does lend some understanding to my profession. I buzz around the classroom trying to infuse knowledge into children all day long. I have a stinger that I save only for the rarest of occasions for I know it could be the death of me if I use it. But still.....a bee.

Another site I looked into says I am prone to "Serious-minded...home and family mean a great deal to me." I am also reliable to friends and family to whom I have given my word. The last few descriptors will not be disagreed on by anyone I know. "..I have a tendency to be a little too independent and have trouble accepting help when it has needed and also friction could arise that you were interfering with their rights even though you were only trying to help."
A lot of things to think about that.

But here in Korea I have new nicknames. Some Kiwi friends call me Mel and I find that it suites me. My favorite though is what one Korean calls me all the time and she will know who she is. That is simply the name "M". I can't exactly say why I feel it suits me so. I have to think of agent M in the James Bond films but I am not that cool. I also just feel like I can stand taller when I hear that nickname. Like a perfect balance of someone who knows me but also a new identity. One with a little more strength behind it. Of course I will also be miso unni to many and that warms my heart and makes me smile. I am still all of the things my full legal name suggests if you read into those sorts of things for more than just entertainment.

I just find it quite the adventure that your name can take you on. You can hide behind it, change identities behind another. I just hope at the end of this life, many will simply be able to call me friend.


Still working on the bee label though.....

Guess I better get buzzing for the final few weeks of this school year. So very much left to do.