Hello, My Name Is…
"l probably pronounce this wrong, but correct me if I do. ls Afuuu-uhhhh See-awwww here?''
“Af-ia," I would say shyly, avoiding the bugging curiosity of every teacher to utter my name.
"But it's spelled Afua, is the u silent?" I would nod politely, as this conversation was far too common. Every attendance felt like an infinite loop of this very question. But who was I to sulk when I didn't even correct them? Besides some food, some Twi, and some relatives I hardly remember, I don't know much about my parent's homeland. My name was the only known piece of my identity.
In Ghana, children are named after the weekday they were born on. For me, it was Friday or "Afua." While some parents from Ghana give their children an American name, my parents didn't; my name is a piece of my identity that I wear proudly. Over time, I started to embrace my name. It's important to spread culturally positively and respect ethnic names for us to be in an environment that is comfortable. Yes, I will correct you once, twice, even thrice. But after some time, I expect you to try. Write it down, don't be dismissive. No, I don't have a nickname and, no, you can't call me anything else. What you can do is learn how to pronounce Afua correctly.
Growing up, I have always wanted to travel the world. But in a way, I already have. While turning corners on NYC streets, I find myself in a different country. From the Halal street vendors to the Mexican taco trucks, I can experience the various cultural interactions right here. My high school in Manhattan has also exposed me to a variety of ethnic groups. Whether it's being with my Bengali friends saying "Assalamu alaikum" (Hello) or yelling "No Puedo Mas” (I can't anymore) with my Hispanic friends, I can immerse myself into different communities no matter the differences between us.
Despite being able to travel the world by taking a subway ride, New York City is far from perfect. While the city is rich in diversity, many communities are poor in technological resources to address mental health resources in schools. These impoverished communities are suffering. Many students deal with violence, perpetuating the false idea that people will forever be in the hood. By providing both educational materials and safety resources, students can be successful as we redefine the solution to violence. Rather than filling schools with metal detectors and police officers, as a community, we must work together to lift up impoverished communities and help our country grow.
Afua Siaw is a 2021 Next Gen Summer Civic Fellow. She aspires to be a child psychologist when she grows up. She is a rising senior at the High School For Health Professions and Human Services. Some of her hobbies include photography, creative writing, volunteering, and activism.