Me llamo... Well the response to my name is no simple two word answer and I chose this title for my blog because I feel as though the ever changing variants of my name are representative of the multifaceted life I lead. I find myself taking on multifarious roles and playing different characters, all of which comprise my identity.
I was born Christina Anne (already standing out with the extra "e" added to my middle name). I don't think one could choose a more Christian name and my strong Catholic roots are a large part of who I am today. So, by introduction, I am "Christina:" an American. Here is where things become slightly more complicated. When asked my nationality, I am torn between the response of "American" or the heritage with which I most identify, "Polish." My father's lineage can be traced back to the Mayflower and I am certainly proud to have grown up in the land of freedom and opportunity; however, my Polish-born mother raised me to most identify with Polish culture. Thus, I become Krystyna. To my Spanish teachers, I was Cristina (with an ever subtle roll to the "r") and as I embark upon the next chapter of my life which takes me to a country of which I have grown ever so fond, I must learn to introduce myself as such.
Over the years, I have amassed a whole slew of nicknames, many variants of my full name and others just terms of endearment, all indicative of the role I play with certain individuals. My sporty, Little League playing elementary school days were marked by the nickname Chris, which I shed in favor of a more girly middle school image. On the volleyball court, I became Simmons, or even my own identity as #10. College was marked by the necessity of a shortened nickname, as I surrounded myself by a Sukee, a Talie, a Steph, and a Liz and it was here that I was dubbed Stina. It possesses a certain fun-sounding, destined-for-the-spotlight ring and is most commonly used among my closest college friends. The other nicknames have accumulated, ranging from Sim Sim, to Simmy-poo, to C.Anne, to Christie, to Krysia, to Chi Chi, to Giggles, to even Comrade, and then the occasional Tina and Christine (the latter which I absolutely detest but which seems frequently used among religious folk and newspaper writers).
Now, a part of my identity is the titles added onto my name. For now, as I enter my first job in the professional world, my email signature bears an added middle initial "A." and a listing of the recently acquired bachelor's degrees, and I suppose I am formally a "Miss." September brings me into a new world, where my permanent address and residency become not merely another city, but one conveniently located in another country entirely. With this move come a new job and a new title. The Spaniards who take on both their mother and father's last names seem fascinated by the fact that I only bear one and they pronounce it as sea-MAWN-z with a note of hesitation. Perhaps my students will attempt to call me Senorita Seamawnz or shorten it down to the common address of simply Teacher. A year from now, I return to the US to leave the professional world and once again return to the status of student in the quest for my PhD. At that point I can add the illustrious "Dr." to my name, but that's 6 years jumping the gun.
For the present, I shall be Stina and recount my adventures as such. As I travel the world and change my identity at the drop of a sombrero, I find the fun stage-name most appropriate. The purpose of this blog is to provide snapshots and excerpts from my life in Madrid and the boundless abroad. It is a way to keep in touch with all those who care to hear what I'm up to without numerous recounts of the same gilipollez (look that one up if you don't know it) and it serves as a way to force me to document my life. I will strive for weekly updates come September (perhaps from my Blackberry on my 40 minute metro commute), and a highlighted favorite photo of the week. So sit back, relax, and join me in my journey. Me llamo Stina.
