I get it, OK. Trust me, I understand. I have a big name and yes, it is hard to pronounce but unless I give you explicit permission, you aren’t allowed to call me whatever abridged version of my name you came up with.

Here’s the facts: My name has a meaning. There's a reason I have this name. It means something to me, to my family and it connects me to my roots. My name originates from the Sanskrit word Sagar which means the ocean. My first identity is what I am called and I won’t allow you to change it without my will. No exceptions.

I’m not trying to be rude here. It’s the truth. As an international student, it’s easy to get intimidated with all the different people and different cultures all around you. UCLA is huge and diverse and I love that about it, but I refuse to change my roots to be an easier sound on your tongue. I’ve seen it happen to my fellow Asians and it has to stop. Now.

Here’s what you can do: Just ask me how to say my name. Frequently and in different tones. Try it out different times and ask me if you are correct! That's great. In fact, I prefer if you ask me how to pronounce my name. It shows me that you were listening and are willing to correct yourself. You don't have to get it right on the first try, or even on the first ten tries! As long as you make an effort, I’ll be willing to help.

I’d like to mention that it’s cool if you have a name that you feel is hard for people to pronounce to have a nickname that you give people! I don't mean to say that you are somehow disrespecting your true name by doing this, because that’s ridiculous and you do whatever makes you feel comfortable! I just want to point out that it should be fine if you don’t give people an alternate choice and you shouldn't feel like you need to.

So to all the people that I’m going to meet in the near and far future, I’m going to try and pronounce your name the way you want me to and I would like to receive the same curtesy back.