Mine

Scholastic Writing Awards- Honorable Mention

Hydeia Hamilton 

To many, my name is unheard of. One that can never be pronounced right when read off a paper. Even when verbally corrected, they still pronounce it as if their words stumble through their teeth and off of their tongue. A name with too many vowels, and a combination of ways it could possibly be said. They iterate it too quickly as if they don’t care how a name defines a person. It’s a name so odd and unique like one could never forget. But one that hides at the tip of the tongue, and instead comes out with, “What’s your name again?”

It’s the name of a woman who was born with AIDS, in which she contracted from her biological mother. Expected to die at the age of 3, yet, she became a sensation when she outlived her sentence- defeated fate. She became the youngest AIDS/HIV activist at age 6, at a time that society pushed back on those with any relation to the diagnosis. A brave little girl, featured on famously known shows of Oprah Winfrey and Jerry Springer; who has written a book with her adopted mother- You Get Past The Tears: A Memoir Of Love And Survival. Now, a woman, forgotten by society. Holding a name in which I share, but when asked the origin of my name, they respond, “Who is that? I’ve never heard of her.”

Hydeia- a name that ties culturally. Growing up in a “white-washed” society, many assume my name matches my face. That my name somehow makes up for the inability to pinpoint my ethnicity. But they’d be wrong, that my mother first heard the name from the Jerry Springer Show in the 90s. A name in which she wanted to call her first daughter, a name that my father refused- too confusing. But when he was met with the second-born daughter, he let the name slide. Either he came around, or he felt that the name was just as disappointing as my delivery- another girl. 

But when the name is said just right, it’s delicate- easy on the ears. A name that fits who I’ve become, so strong and unique. Like the color purple- not everyone’s favorite, but truly beautiful in the right shade. One that grows on you, and if you truly know it, one that you can never forget. A name I could never trade, and when it’s remembered, only one face is associated with it- mine.