The Asian version of my name

I've been asked quite a lot recently whether my name is really Shawn.

The latest was yesterday, the first day on my psychiatric ward.

I introduced myself to the Registrar on the ward. She was very friendly and took me aside to give me a brief introduction and what to expect. "A lot of students find psychiatry very daunting at first," she reassured me, "but over time you will learn how to deal with patients, don't worry." After her spiel she proceeded to put my name down on her note pad, just to confirm though, she asked, "what is your name again?"

"Shawn"

"is that your real name?"

"huh?"

"Oh, because most Chinese students and doctors on the ward have Asian versions. Is Shawn your actual name?"

I was tempted to tell her that Shawn is actually my alias for Mon, Wed and Thursdays. I go by a different name at night and also respond to the name Bon Jovi when I've had a few. I am also actually a jaundiced Caucasian. But then I was reminded that we are about 10 meters away from a closed psych ward and that she is a psych registrar. She can have me detained for 24 hours with one signature.

I did not mess with her.