Skip to main content

Identity Crisis

As some of you know, I recently unofficially adopted "Jamie" as my American name, mainly because I felt that my Korean name was a hindrance to meeting new people (especially in my classes). So when I started working at Leo Burnett, I introduced myself as Jamie to all the fellow interns. But because all of my legal forms still said Nayoung, I ended up introducing myself as Nayoung to my co-workers in the Hallmark account, so somehow I ended up with two different names at LB.

In all honesty, I have to admit that I hated blending in and getting lost in the sea of Christinas, Sarahs, and Kellys. It just didn't seem the same when I introduced myself as "Jamie like a Jingle" rather than "Nayoung like a Nail clipper" (in an icebreaker). I miss my old name, and I miss how I was the only Nayoung that anyone ever knew.

I am slowly learning to embrace my uniqueness, and not being ashamed of it. It's a constant struggle, but I am finally accepting and loving myself in God's image, even though that might mean that I'm different from the crowd. And ya'll know how I always condemn myself for being such a people-pleaser.. :P

Comments

Ruth said…
:)

they messed up your last name?!?!?!
June 22, 2008 at 7:00 PM
Anonymous said…
i was watching a drama and the main character's name was nayoung... that's the only other time i've heard your name, but you're the only nayoung that i actually know and i miss you dearly :( you're in korean now?? email meee
August 8, 2008 at 2:46 PM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Launching points

I never thought I'd say this, but I'm gonna miss Wed night chapel times. Every Wed night, I meet with a couple people to pray for our lifegroup. Tonight as one of the members were closing out, he mentioned how thankful he was for the relationships that were built this year, and prayed that the accountability relationships would continue through the summer and beyond. It wasn't anything new, but that kind of specific prayer just didn't cross my mind for some reason. I couldn't help but giggle inside with excitement, as I thought about all the relationships that flourished AFTER a life group ended. Eight months is just too short of a time for a relationship to be built then ended. So many relationships flourished and went to deeper levels in the months and years following an "official" time period, which makes me feel a little less sad about this lifegroup coming to a close. The school year might be over, but the relationships last forever. Another reason w...
Post a Comment
Read more

And just when you least expect it..

Today I went down to the food court with another intern and as I opened my box of sushi, I hesitated. Feeling as if there were too many eyes on me (I only ate with one other person -_-), I questioned whether I should pray before my meal, in fear of social rejection. After I prayed, she asked me if I was a Christian, and I awkwardly responded that I was. Then she said, "Finally! What a relief to know that there are other Christians!" WHAT THE.. I couldn't believe it. Here I was, sitting with a co-worker that I had simply exchanged cordial greetings with, now talking about God haha. Even though I was scared and honestly did NOT want to pray, God used a habitual thing like that to open up opportunities for me to invite her to small group and share my faith. Crazy how He works when you least expect it.
5 comments
Read more

Lessons from the Big House Big Heart 10K

I ran a 10K yesterday at the Big House, right before HMCC's 15th year celebration--it was an INCREDIBLE run because I feel like God was speaking to me about my life as I was running. Here's what I mean: I was in awe and shock when I finished my 6.2 miles, because I have been extremely unfaithful with training leading up to the race. Despite my failure to be disciplined on a daily basis, I felt like I was given this supernatural strength to run til the finish and not give up. Because of that, I ran hard and ended up cutting about 20 minutes off of my time from June (crazy, I know). I think the 10 kilometers I ran yesterday greatly resembles my journey of following after Jesus. If you ask me about what has helped me to grow in my faith, I can give you a handful of HUGE commitments I've made in the past couple years--like participating in a summer missions project, serving in LIFEgroup ministry, or staying in Michigan post-graduation. But despite these sizeable deci...
3 comments
Read more