Jason

Names are like portals, keys to different memories; they untie the past and propel us into the future. But they're more than that; they’re the needles that thread us to the tapestry of our own lives, reminding us of where we've been and who we are. Names, in all their simplicity, possess unique properties, proving to be more than mere labels.

Venture to South Africa during the apartheid era, where parents would opt to name their child after the infamous Adolf Hitler (Noah). It wasn't support to Nazism; rather, it was a marker of strength, of influence (Noah). Little did they know of the darkness the name carried. Today, some individuals still bear the weight of this name, moving through life with history on their shoulders. 

As I trace the journey of how I’ve adopted my several names, I see myself flipping through a scrapbook of memories. 14 years ago, my name was Leo, pronounced “Layoh.” The mention of Leo weaves a vivid tapestry in my mind, bringing me back to the big, blue farm, where I was free, surrounded by charming animals, towering sunflowers, and childhood memories: Mexico. A mere utterance of Leo is like a time machine, whisking me back to the nostalgic and cherished past.

Today, my first name is Jason. With friends, it's Jay, a name that projects camaraderie; a key that unlocks a world of shared laughter and reminisce. Like a warm handshake, it's a crest that signifies the cherished connections that transcends mere friendship. 

In my family, it’s Jaysito, or simply, Sito. Jaysito is like Jason, but wrapped in love and affection; a piggy in a blanket. The addition of “-ito” is not just linguistic but affectionate; it's a way to say, “You’re special to me.” A Spanish translation from Nahuatl proves this to be true. In the translation, Juan Diego calls Mary, “mi Virgencita,” which means”my Little Virgin,” and she calls him “mi Hijito,” which translates to “my little son” (Breiner). In my family, “-ito” is the thread that weaves us together; a gentle whisper from the heart wrapped in the fabric of language.

Next time you hear a name, pause for a moment. Think. Realize that it carries a story, a history; remember that it has a connection to someone’s heart. They are the portals to understanding, the keys to unlocking, doorways to who we are. 

Works Cited

Breiner, James. "Mexicans like things that are itty-bitty." Medium, 21 Dec. 2015, https://jamesbreiner.medium.com/mexicans-like-things-that-are-itty-bitty-e00df40a3c97.

Noah, Trevor. "Born A Crime." John Murray, 2017.