OpenLab Assignment #1: What’s in a name?

My name is Jessica. Yes, I know, a very common name. Jessica might be a very popular name, however, like any other name it’s the personality of the individual that shapes them and differentiates them from other Jessica’s. There came a time in which I found myself highly disliking my name because of the constant encounters in which I would meet others with similar name. I decided to ask my parents why they decided to name me “Jessica” in which my fathers response was, “Well, they told me the time to pick a name had arrived so Jessica came up to my mind and chose it.” My name being mainstream and my parents response to why they chose my name made feel as if my name had nothing special. This made me feel crestfallen. I decided to research the meaning of the name Jessica. I found that the Jessica was first used in Shakespeare’s play ‘The Merchant of Venice’, it was Shylock’s daughters name. Knowing that a very astute man first used my name makes me feel notable. Along with that, I found that the Hebrew meaning of my name is: “Jessica is Rich. God Beholds.” This is very accurate because I might not be rich material wise but rich in spiritual gifts.

From my experience, the Jessica’s I’ve met tend to be more outgoing while I consider myself a reserved person. Despite that, I can be spontaneous. Funny thing is that, out of all the Jessica’s I’ve met not a single one has something in common with me besides my name.