This particular entry will be brief and should really be read as an addendum to my previous post. A few days after my virtual rant regarding the Ugandan interpretation and pronunciation of my name, I found myself at a national laboratory conference. William, the laboratory coordinator at CPHL with whom I’ve been working since my second day on the job, got up in front of 50-60 people and introduced me as “Eleanoy”. I shuddered internally but remained silent and smiling on the outside…
And, just this morning, I introduced myself to someone I’d not met before. He chose not to repeat my name after my introduction, so I attempted to reassure him. “I know, it’s a weird name. Many people struggle with it.” But, this man was overly confident and did not seek consolation. “Oh, no, I understand it,” he said. “It’s just like 'Illinois.'" Now I’m a state. I kinda think I was better off being a Clinton!
