My first name…Amanda…is a Latin name which means lovable, worthy of love. Ironically I am not sure I’ve ever solidly been loved for most of my life. It was a popular name in the years I was born and there were numerous Amanda’s around me throughout my school years. I have been called Mandy-manders- and manda much of my life.

I’ve always liked my name and its meaning. Just never felt it truly embodied how the world treats me. Then I guess it treats much of us the same.