How to say my name!

When I started creating this website I had to brainstorm on what the website name should be so it would be easy for everyone to say and write my name. I always sing "That's not my name"

song by "The Tings Tings" when someone accidentally butchers my name. I do not take it personally at all but hey it is hard to pronounce names in general and I usually correct them by giving some examples. I try my best to let everyone know how to cross the T's and dot the I's (literally)

Sushma Kattinti - pronounced as SUUSH-muh KUT-tin-tee

Here is one funny story which stood out for a while. I want to share where many times my name was butchered at school, work and also by my few friends (I still love them)

I did my masters in CS at University of Texas at Arlington. Generally all my professors called everyone with the first name basis. I felt that would be the easy way to pronounce rather than my last name (Yeah, too many T's and too many I's) . Surprise!! Most of my professors called me "Sushi-ma", "Sashi-mi", "Shuma" and list goes on. But "Sashi-mi" stood out for 2 years of my college and I am glad now it is in the past. Don't get me wrong I love sushi, I eat sushi and I make sushi but that's not my name!

My husband's family is from Tennessee and it was hard for them to pronounce my name so they call me "little bit" - I love it. I took it and ran with that name.

At work, my last name was never pronounced and written right. I helped a lot to cross the T's and dot the I's. It was a constant struggle but it was fun.

At local coffee shops I just give my husband's name "Bobby" - It is easy that way than to explain my name :)

So when you see me in person and have trouble saying my name - don't you worry I will help you out I promise - Ting Ting :)

XOXO,

Sushma

#Name #Pronouncename