What's My Name?

As I've said before my name is Jenna: J-E-N-N-A, a somewhat simple, easy to spell and generally normal name. However, it is also a name that is not so common where I live and often causes trouble when meeting new people. There are several scenarios that follow the introduction of my name, some of which are undeniably irritating.

Scenario 1: . They understand. This is the optimum response to the words "Hi, my name's Jenna.". No questions, no slip ups, no bizarre interpretations of those five letters they just remember my name correctly. What anyone would hope for.

Scenario 2: I have to repeat myself. This isn't so much of a bother, maybe they're hard of hearing or just didn't catch what I said. But I always like to emphasise the N's, just to be sure.

Scenario 3: They repeat back to me "Gemma?". If this is the case (which it often is) I quickly, almost instantaneously correct them by stating "JEN-NA"  loudly and clearly. Most of the time this solves the issue, the smile politely and nod accepting the slightly awkward interaction and remember my name correctly. Sadly, there are occasions that lead to scenario number 4.

Scenario 4: I am no longer called Jenna. This happens for a variety of reasons the most likely being "Jenna" sounds like "Gemma". I have absolutely no issue with the name Gemma, in fact I quite like that it means "precious stone". Similarly I like that my name means "White" and I also like being called it. So, if I meet someone who isn't really listening or has just forgotten they usually refer to me as Gemma. A lot. Of course, I am far to scared to correct this most of the time in fear of embarrassing them. If I see them again at a later date and I am greeted with "Hi Gemma!" then I know all has been lost. I could probably correct this person a hundred times and nothing would change, because Gemma is what they've named me in their head.

The best example I have of this was a little girl I used to know, who thought my name was Gemma. She was young and I was too scared to correct her because I was only about 9 at the time. Everyone else knew my name and I decided there would be no harm in allowing her to continue on. Until I later discovered we both attended the same riding school and she joyfully introduced me to her parents. Who from that moment on called me "Gemma" and there was nothing I could do about it. I had to remember to respond if they called my name or addressed me because I was too afraid to correct their little girl. Even more distant family members eg Great Aunts and Uncles, also get my name wrong. In fairness they don't see me very often but when they do all I receive is "Hello Gemma, why how much you've grown!".

I will admit that from time to time it is possible to correct someone and be called my own name again. This usually has to be done pretty quickly or repeatedly for their brain to understand. I am aware that there are worse names to have that get mistaken for all kinds of things. But I think anyone who sympathises with this problem would agree that although it is slightly funny at the start, we all prefer the right name.

ps. My name is not actually Jennifer either, another common question I get. Just Jenna, nothing more or nothing less!

~ Adios! ~

Introducing Me

Introductions are hard, or at least they are for me. I don't find myself a particularly interesting person and loathe the group icebreaker  "Say your name and one interesting fact about yourself". Yet I'm about to do just that:

My name is Jenna and I live in the UK. I'm almost an adult and still go to school. Incase you wondered I study Music, English Literature, Film Studies and Computer Programming. My interesting fact is that I have sung inside Euro Disney with my school choir. If this doesn't sound cool enough already, we were Disney Cast Members ( just like Mikey Mouse ) and went backstage. 

There isn't much else you really need to know about me, I'm sure you'll learn lots if you read my posts. Which for the record are mainly just my thoughts, feelings, opinions or just general ramblings. If you stick around, then thank you and if not... Adios!