"I'll never change my name": Marijuana Pepsi Vandyck becomes a doctor
Updated | By East Coast Radio
After being teased all her life for her name, this woman has fought against the odds to earn herself a PhD on unusual names.
We all have a story behind our name, which adds to our character. But for those who have been given unusual names, it's usually a nightmare getting through life.
Marijuana Pepsi Vandyck (we kid you not) has experienced the looks and the laughter from many who have taken the opportunity to tease her for her not-so-traditional and unusual name.
READ - LIST: The most popular baby names of 2019 are here
However, deciding to fight the odds, Vandyck can now add the title of doctor to her name after completing a PhD in higher education leadership, which explores the behaviour of teachers and perceptions of students with unusual names, reports Insider.
She always loved her name and wore it with pride, but she had a rough childhood with people making her feel self-conscious about it.
It was these very instances that made her more aware of her name and how people react to it - hence her deciding to study further.
"So it's not so much my name, it's the names of students that have an impact on their academic achievement just because of the implicit biases that sometimes accompany their teachers," Dr Vandyck said.
ALSO: The 10 most popular names in South Africa
She went on to say that she doesn't have an issue with people asking about the story behind her name, but it needs to be done in a sensible manner.
Marijuana Pepsi Vandyck is certainly a unique name and is bound to turn heads, but it is certainly not the only unusual one. According to Buzz Ghana, here are some of the weirdest names that have left people talking:
- Harbor
- Juju
- Tempest
- Heavenleigh
- Saffron
- Tymber
- Bluebell Madonna
- Pilot Inspektor
- Jermajesty
Marijuana is wearing her name with pride and added that she will 'never change it for anyone'.
Dr Marijuana Pepsi Vandyck - not a new flavour of soft drink, but a remarkable woman who beat the odds to prove that your name should never bar you from success.
What is the story behind your name? Let us know below.
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