New Chapter, New Name

I've always gone by "Maddy".

I've never really questioned it. I never really even thought about other possibilities... My full name is Madeline (Mad-i-lyn) Virginia. I could have gone by either of those. Or I could have come up with some cool nick-name. Like "Sunny" or "Shifty" or "Desk Lamp", or whatever else the kids are calling each other nowadays. I've always just been "Maddy". I was perfectly content with it. But now, I sense a change in the air.

I have only just recently realized the potential of my full name. I personally think the name "Madeline Virginia" packs a punch. It's seven syllables of epic. Soon, I will be venturing on to a new life in a faraway place where nobody knows me. I could make it whatever I want. So, I have decided to leave my old name behind. Not entirely, no. For all my old, slightly less hip friends will still call me it. But all my new acquaintances shall know me as "Madeline". It's sophisticated, no? It demands a sense of respect that the name "Maddy" just can't handle. I like it.

I'm not just going by a new name because it sounds cool. Though that IS most of the reason, it's slightly more than that. The changing of my name is a representation of leaving childhood behind. It's a new start as a (slightly) more mature, young adult. If you're about to go off into college, or about to move, or about to start a new job, try a new name. It will help to break the monotony of everyday life. And it is especially helpful in the case of needing a fresh start. So, try going by your middle name for a while. Or by your last name. Or think of a cool, hip nick-name. Live a little.

As for me, it's Madeline from now on.