My name

AMANDA

for the first time ever, I feel proud to have the name Amanda.

When I was a child, the name Amanda seemed too serious, and it sounded like an old person's name. Besides, there was usually other Amandas in my classes, and the name Mandy fit my fun and free spirit better.

But here, in Inner Mongolia, I am sure that I am the only Amanda. When my students say my name, it contains respect and excitement and these are two expressions my name has never been connected to. I've also recently discovered that the word 'ananda' in Sanskrit means 'joy'! and my name is so similar to this spelling. Also, my name has a roll to it, a syllabic cadence that most Chinese names lack.

I feel proud to have the name Amanda, and I now think that it is a beautiful name.

I am also proud...

1. to be living in a strange land far from my birth.

2. to have many friends and a family who loves me.

3. to be a feminist.

4. to have Ned, a wonderful boyfriend who supports and inspires me.

5. to have the passion to write.

6. to represent America, in the eyes of my students.

7. to be a spiritual seeker.

8. to not have a car, but commute by bike.

9. to use the same pair of chopsticks at each meal, instead of disposables.

10. to live with grace in an often disgraceful world.