Inspired by the Alyssum flower. A flower best described as dainty, and once used to heal. In the language of flowers, the Alyssum represents “worth beyond beauty” or “sweetness of soul”. My name reminds me of the simple, yet graceful white hue of the sweet Alyssum flower.

A variation of Alice, Alyssa, or Alexa. Alissa. My parents fell in love with the name as soon as they heard it, as it is similar to Alexa, another name they loved, but with a softer sound. My name is like the number seven, not as harsh as six, but similar to the others.

3 syllables is too long, I used to believe. I haven’t always liked my name. I've longed for the nickname “Ali” for a significant portion of my life, but my aunt claimed the nickname first, short for Alison. Alissa just seemed boring. A six letter word with four different letters. Or perhaps I disliked the substitution of an “i” in a name most people spelled with a “y”. Maybe, as I grew up, I wanted to be able to look around and see another Alissa, another person who always has to say “Alissa with an i”, and proceed to spell it out when people are confused.

However, I have recently developed an appreciation for my name. I cherish the differences my name holds compared to the others. I value the meaning behind and spelling of my name because I see how special it is to my parents, as they did the same thing with my brother, Aidan’s, name.

I appreciate that I am able to jump out of my seat and walk with an extra pep in my step when the Blaze Pizza employees spell my name correctly without me stating each individual letter, or when the Starbucks baristas don’t pause to think how in the world my name could be spelled. I am now able to embrace my unique spin on a common name. I have developed worth to my name beyond a combination of six letters, similar to the flourished meaning behind the seemingly simple Alyssum flower.