Our name is one of the ultimate forms of identification that we have in this life. Historically, names often played prominent roles in defining multifaceted layers that have shaped our existence. Our names have taken on the responsibility of stating our gender, nationality, ethnicity, political stance, social status religious affiliations and our family background. Many of us consciously write our names on various forms throughout our lifetime without thinking in depth about the power we of each signature. There is power in a name. The Nepalese women in the Hands in Outreach (HIO) Mother’s Group program in Kathmandu taught me one of the most powerful lessons about the power we have when we write our names.
Many people write their names subconsciously and don’t think about the story that is associated with each letter stroke. I challenge you to be conscious about what is in a name.
In mid-August I was in the process of completing my one month internship in Kathmandu, Nepal. One of my final tasks was to interview mothers in the Nepalese Mother’s group that I had been working with throughout the month. I was fortunate to meet two lovely groups of mother’s who instantly inspired me to work harder, love stronger and smile brighter in this life. They welcomed me into their class that also served as a safe space for them to learn, talk, grow and express themselves freely. For 60 to 90 minutes, four days a week, the Mother's class offered an outlet away from the daily responsibilities they held as mothers, wives, breadwinners, day laborers and entrepreneurs. Many of the mother’s had been illiterate in both the Nepali and English languages before attending their classes. But, in two short months they have learned colors, numbers, days of the week and how to write their name. In this ultra-technologically based time, multi-tasking has become norm. We are constantly on the go and thinking about what will come next even before the next item on our “to-do list” has been successfully accomplished. Many people are continuously trying to accomplishment multiple goals in very short time periods. In global societies the mother's role is often defined as the rock of the family that holds the superhuman responsibilities of making sure that each member of the family is being taken care of.
In my interviews with the HIO Mothers in Nepal, I asked them which personal accomplishments they are most proud of. The mother’s responded that they were happy that they could write their names on their children’s diaries (report cards). Signing a report meant the world to them. Before they learned to write their names, they would mark their children’s report cards with their finger prints to show that they saw their children’s report card. They reminded me that there is a huge difference between seeing and understanding. The signature meant that they were actively involved in their children’s schooling. They signed because they also were able to read their children’s performance scores. A mother’s signature sent so many powerful messages that many often overlook in a signature. The mother’s signature sent the message to their children’s teachers that they cared and wanted to know how their children were doing. It showed that they were literate and working towards educating themselves so they may play a supportive role in their children’s schooling. They were not only able to sign the report cards but read the numbers and address any issues or challenges their children were having in their classes. They could also read and celebrate their children’s successful report card scores as well. They could independently read, understand and write their stamp of approval without someone having to explain, misguide or lie to them concerning their child's development and performance.
The Mother’s signatures on their child’s report cards or house bills represented more than the letters and symbols that filled the designated space. Looking at the Mother’s signatures gave me a stronger sense of the power behind each line, curve and space. The letters in each name symbolized self-motivation and determination to educate themselves so that they can play an invaluable role in the well-being and development of their children. Signing their names represented taking on independence to lead by example instead of being falsely led or misguided. There was happiness intertwined in the letters of each name. A happiness that showed pride in an accomplishment earned over time.
Many people write their names subconsciously and don’t think about the story that is associated with each letter stroke. I challenge you to be conscious about what is in a name. Our names are powerful. They are associated with our life stories.A signature represents not only our existence, but a sense of power. The mother's signatures give a stronger voice to the amazing role they have proudly taken on as mother. There is power in a name. What stories and experiences does your name carry?
