What They Call Me

Talia Scarpa

In Hebrew my first name means “dew from heaven.” In Latin my middle name means “the giving one.” In Italian both my names signify a new life and more opportunity. My name is of my great-grandmothers before me. Both who lead a life of excitement like the color yellow or a Friday.

“Italia” was the name of my father's grandmother. She was a quiet-natured, small woman but when she talked, there was a lot she said. She had light brown hair and eyes the color of the ocean. Although she had a husband she was devoted to, she lived a life full of friends and travel. She worked as a seamstress who made expensive suits, and would create her own dresses in her spare time.

My middle name is of my mother’s grandmother, “Donata.” Unlike Italia, Donata was a wild woman who went out and danced all night long. She had dark olive skin, jet black hair, and evergreen eyes. She lacked an education, and left Italy with her betrothed husband to travel to America for a better life.

Both my great-grandmothers hid their names to fit in, and not be viewed as outsiders because they’re immigrants. Italia was called “Edith,” and Donata was called “Mary.” I hope they call me by my name. Not a face that I hide behind, but rather something loud and clear.

They say my name funny. Sometimes it's “Thalia,” “Ta-lee-uh,” and even “Toal-ah.” I never want to change my name. My name represents two women who lived their lives to the fullest. I look at myself in the mirror and know my name portrays who I am and the person I am becoming. I have inherited their names, and I aspire to take their place dancing on top of the world.