My nickname Mia holds a deeper, personal significance. Used by family and close friends, it signifies the comfort I share with them. Although I am an only child, my identity as “Mia” mirrors one of a reliable older sister for friends of our family. As a first-generation student who was accepted by a top-ranking university, I am seen to be a role model for their children. It causes pressure to uphold a standard that I did not intend to set and I feel constantly watched. 

However, as “Amelia,'' I feel like a carefree teenager. While I do have responsibilities, I don’t feel as pressured by others’ expectations of me compared to when I’m Mia. I’m making choices because I want to, not because I know others expect me to do them.

Despite the two different identities that each name holds, I find that I embrace and appreciate all of the experiences I’ve received as a result. Whether I am answering to Amelia or Mia, both names have intricate layers of meaning that make up my personal experiences and compose my sense of self. As I continue to navigate the complexities of identity, I am reminded that my experiences are not simply confined to my name but are also shaped by the people I meet and the challenges I overcome along the way.

Works Cited

Abner, Rhayn. "Amel - Baby Name Meaning and Popularity." The Bump, 18 Jan. 2024, 

www.thebump.com/b/amel-baby-name. Accessed 5 Feb. 2024.

"Amelia - Baby Name Meaning, Origin and Popularity." The Bump, 

2 Feb. 2024, www.thebump.com/b/amelia-baby-name. Accessed 5 Feb. 2024.

"Popular Baby Names." The United States Social Security Administration | SSA, 

www.ssa.gov/oact/babynames/index.html. Accessed 5 Feb. 2024.

Riley, Lawrence. "Amelia Name Meaning: Origins, Variations, and Significance." Name Of The Year, 

10 Sept. 2023, www.nameoftheyear.com/amelia-name-meaning/. Accessed 5 Feb. 2024.