More Than Just a Name
A Reflection on Belonging
Names carry more than just letters; they hold identity, history, and meaning. When my name was misspelled in a professional setting where I already felt vulnerable, it struck a nerve. It wasn’t just about the mistake—it was about feeling unseen, othered, and questioning my place in the room.
We’ve all had moments where we felt undervalued or overlooked, whether in a workplace, a relationship, or among peers. These experiences can shake our confidence, but they also invite us to reflect: Where do we tie our worth? How do we reclaim it when the world around us feels dismissive?
As I share my story, I encourage you to think about your own moments of doubt and what they’ve taught you about belonging, self-worth, and the power of being seen.
Dear Loved One,
Today, at a meeting where I was invited to present my insights—a meeting filled with intellectual giants from other departments across campus—someone spelled my name “Jaylynne.”
It was just a name on the agenda, letters on a printout—a minor mistake that likely went unnoticed by everyone… but me. In that moment, in an unfamiliar environment, the weight of that small error hit differently.
My name is Jaelynn. It’s not hard to spell nor particularly unique, but it’s mine. And seeing it spelled wrong, in a room where I already felt like I didn’t belong, felt deeply othering.
The room was filled with people I admired—experts in their fields, people whose work I’ve studied, whose achievements I aspire to emulate. And there I was, presenting my insights, trying to hold my ground while my name sat on the agenda like a flashing sign that screamed, “You don’t belong here.”
It made me question so much.
Was I respected in that room? Did they see me as an equal—or just the help who somehow managed to get a seat at their table?
That thought sent me spiraling, because for so long, I’ve had to fight for recognition:
As a Translational Lab Research Assistant, I was the help doing the unseen work.
As a Medical Assistant, I was the help keeping things running without a second glance.
As a Clinical Research Assistant, I was the help doing the work of a coordinator but without the title, pay, or respect.
Even now, as a Clinical Research Coordinator, I feel like I’m constantly proving myself, fighting for the respect and recognition that still doesn’t come freely.
So when I saw my name misspelled in that moment, it felt like all the battles I’ve fought, all the progress I’ve made, didn’t matter—like they hadn’t even happened. It felt like I was still “the help,” the outsider, the one who doesn’t quite belong.
I know it’s not just about the spelling. It’s about what my name represents. My name carries me. It carries my years of experience, my positivity, my problem-solving skills, my leadership, my adaptability, my passion. My name is the cover letter for all the work I’ve accomplished along my Life Adventure.
But in that moment, I felt small.
And then came the familiar thought spiral… Will I ever really belong in rooms like this? Am I worthy of my dreams—of pursuing a doctoral degree, of becoming a leader in my field? Will I ever be truly seen, respected, and valued for who I am?
Take a deep breath. In. And Out.
I know, deep down, that I will. I know I belong in these rooms. I know I’ve earned my place and will continue to grow into the spaces I aspire to occupy. But moments like these remind me that the wounds of my past are still there. They deserve my attention, my care, my healing.
It’s not just about my name being misspelled. It’s about being seen. It’s about being respected. It’s about wanting my presence—and everything my name represents—to be valued.
So today, I’m holding space for those feelings. I’m acknowledging the hurt while standing in my truth:
My name is Jaelynn. I belong in this room. I am enough.
And no misspelled name will ever change that.
Much love,
Jae
Reflection
Recognition and Self-Worth
When have you felt unseen or undervalued, and how did it affect your sense of self?
Validation and Identity
Do you find yourself tying your worth to how others see or acknowledge you?
Facing Insecurities
What old wounds resurface when you feel overlooked, and how can you begin to address them?
Reclaiming Your Power
How can you remind yourself of your value, even when others fail to recognize it?
Belonging and Boundaries
What does belonging mean to you, and how do you protect your sense of self in challenging environments?
I’d love to hear your thoughts—feel free to share in the comments or DM me directly if you'd like to continue this conversation privately.