I used to write my name underneath all my toys. I thought it was fun. I learned it from watching Toy Story.

In elementary school, they always tell you to sign and date your drawings.

We also did the same in my after-school painting classes.

After I got older, it seemed a little odd to slap my name on things unless it was on a canvas.

For example, to put my name on a shirt seems a little self-involved.

Still, I think it’s important to find a way to take pride in your name.

And no, that doesn’t mean you must start putting it everywhere.

But one shouldn’t be afraid of standing for something, nor should you be afraid to say, “Yeah, I made that!”

Perhaps, because I’m Asian, so I come with a sense of humbleness that I can’t really shake.

But I want to take pride in my name, so I will put my name on things.

And I don’t want to hide anymore, nor will I intentionally leave my name out of things that I clearly had a hand in.

by Jason Lam