One of my peers D, presented an excellent micro teaching session based around his name as an object. He gave a brief but eloquent history of the why and how of his name and then put it to the rest of the group to discuss their own.

Each of the group gave 5-minute reflections on the reasons for theirs that touched on so much. We learnt about each member’s heritage geographically and religiously; we heard anecdotes about early life and touched on ideas of self.

I found the exercise difficult, for me my name, particularly my middle name being my father’s conjures up ideas of family. And without going into too much detail, this isn’t something I love talking about. So, in the exercise I felt I fell a bit short of the others.

As the subject got passed around however, I realised there is so much more in a name then the people that gave it to you. I realised I’d given myself many names over the years that accurately represented different roles I’ve taken throughout my life. I really wanted another go at the end as it really got me thinking.

It was such a great exercise in immediate self-reflection that also acted as the perfect tool of introduction. D went on to explain how it also acts as a perfect starter for a project. There is so much in a name subjectively and objectively that makes for great conversation but also, I can imagine being really inspiring for students. Well done D!