A New Beginning

April 20 2025,

For a while I have felt an urgency to differentiate my pre ‘fog’ self with the person I am growing into as I learn more about my culture and myself. ‘Fog’ being a diaspora term in regard to a state of mind or behavior before being interested in my adoption (etc). Many of my views have evolved with awareness.

For this reason I have decided to start going by an ethnic name (of my choosing). While I do appreciate my chinese middle names (given by the orphanage), the meaning is not something I would want to be called.

In Asian cultures names tend to carry more meaning and significance than western counterparts. For example, children are named for desirable attributes such as peace, wealth or strength. Names are also often chosen based on astrological signs and times of birth. However, I don’t know my birth story. Thus, I have put considerable time, thought and emotion into this change. I have felt seen in my heritage as this name grows in my community and am incredibly happy with the results so far.

Mom has also pointed out that my chosen name can be abbreviated to Shui (pronounced ‘sh-way’) which means water in mandarin. If you know me and water - it’s not a coincidence that I love this, too.

It is ok to still call me Abby but if you are willing to use my preferred name (long or short) that would be great.

I have chosen a name after my province of origins meaning ‘peaceful beauty’.

I am Anhui 安徽 (pronounced ‘On Way’)