"Saajin knew that was his last
name. But the first name
didn't sound right. He didn't
like the sound of that name.
"Everyone please listen
carefully. Is there a Say-jin
Singh who is here today?"
Saajin (Sah-jin) loves every single thing about his name. He's very proud of how it looks and how it sounds. He's also excited about the many new friends he will meet when school begins. At roll call his his teacher calls for 'Say-jin'. He is surprised and confused. Although embarrassed, he knows she must mean him, and he raises his hand to let his teacher know he is present.
At recess, his new friend uses the same pronunciation the teacher has. He wonders why it is different than when he is at home. Every day is the same, until his name begins to feel different to him.
"It didn't taste as sweet
when he ate his jalebi.
And it didn't sound right
when he whispered it to his dog.
Sometimes hearing his friends say
Say-jin made Saajin's stomach feel funny."
When he introduces himself to the new neighbors as Say-jin, his parents are confused. Saajin likes his new friend Chris; they play together and enjoy many of the same things. Saajin can't wait to show Chris around their school. It isn't until dinnertime that his parents mention his new name. He explains that he thinks it is the way people say his name when he leaves their house - different than when he is at home.
His parents help him understand that everybody makes mistakes, and that his teacher can do the same. They talk about his name, and how it loses its meaning when not said properly. What a surprise that is! He uses what he has learned to help him find his voice when roll call is taken the next day. All is well and good.
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