DIGITAL SPACES

Joshua, Josh, Joshy; these are many variations of the same person. Joshua, his given name, did it come from the biblical Joshua, was it because it was popular, or was it because his mom did not want a John Junior running around the house? To him, it is his business name, the name he wants to be remembered by, the name he want to succeed with. It means salvation, which is funny because he has always wanted to help people. His friend’s know him by Josh. He is the shy one, very reserved. He rarely speaks; he is more of a listener. Josh is the hard worker, the one who hopes to become Joshua, hopes that the hard work pays off. He wishes to break out of the shell he’s been in since a child. He fears that most people would not understand him and what he’s been through. He lost his mother at six, had to tell his younger brother that mommy’s not coming back, grew up in a family of addiction, lost his father to the prison system, stayed up at night wondering why his dad is doing life for drug charges based on hearsay of drug addicts while rapists and murders walk the streets, becoming great in school and being a first generation college student in spite the doctors telling his family he would only have the mind and skill set of a twelve year old at best. His family knows him by Joshy, the lovable son, brother, and uncle. He believes you not only say I love you but act on the love of others. Love is not a filler word, love does, and you should too. Joshy is the person who travelled across the state to attend college in hopes that Josh will work hard and become Joshua, because his success is his family’s success. I am Joshua, Josh, and Joshy. They are what makes me me.