"홍 검사,"(Hong Gum Sa) literally meaning prosecutor Hong, or at least from what my dad said. Is a name that my dad thought of. He got the idea of calling me this because of what he saw on the internet. He saw that people born in the time I was born, would likely become a lawyer when they grew up. I find it interesting how my dad got a nickname for me from the internet. The "홍" is my last name or my family name and "검사" means prosecutor. Although it is a simple name, it was something that my parents called me and I cherished it.
According to my parents, the only other people who called me this was my aunt on my mom's side and my uncle from my dad's side but that was before we moved to Hawaii. They believed that I actually might have become a lawyer. With that thought in mind, they called me that almost every day. It was a constant reminder of what I might become. I used to also make an excuse that whenever I argued with my sister, that I was practicing to become a lawyer and that I was preparing my her as well. When I said that, the name popped up in my head, remember all those times when my parents used to call me "홍 검 사." My thoughts would trail as my parents chuckled and told me to stop arguing with my sister.
We spoke Korean at home and with only two other relatives than my my parents, the name lived on for a few years. The name was a part of me and another reminder of the place I'm from, ( yes, I was born in Korea) and the culture that I have. It was also a small part of our language. Whenever I hear that word, (which is rarely said now) I feel pride in knowing how to speak another language. Speaking Korean is something that I value and I think that the name really shows it. When hearing the name, I think of all the letters that go into making that name. I think of the "홍" and look at the consonants and the vowels. As well as "검사" and I look at how the letters look like they are interacting with each other.
As time went by, the nickname started to fade. My mom decided that becoming a doctor would be better. As a result, the name faded and I promised to my mom that I would become a doctor. But things changed in 7th grade, I wanted to become a lawyer. Without any memories or thoughts of being called "홍 검사," I said to my parents, "I want to be a lawyer when I grow up." My dad replied, "홍 검사! " That made my head think for while to figure out where I heard that familiar word. I couldn't quite figure out where I had heard it. But I soon found out later at church from my dad. The fact intrigued me and a grin came on my face. I guess that being called that when I was young kind of influenced me.
Today, I kind of wish that my family would still call me that because it would be a reminder for me on what I want to do. As well as a reminder of who I am, the place I come from, and my culture. It would also be something to get a laugh from. Bringing back the memories of why I want to become a lawyer as well as the coincidence of being called "홍 검사." Even without being called it, I will remember, something that will just stick with me for the rest of my life. I hope not to forget it because it is a part of my history.
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