Sonia M. Rompoti, MSc, Bsc

The name Sonia is of Slavic origin and is derived from the Greek name Sophia, which means “wisdom.” In Russian, it is often used as a diminutive form of Sophia. The name became popular in English-speaking countries in the 20th century. It’s a name that has been embraced across various cultures, and its connection to wisdom gives it a timeless and universal appeal.

However, this is not how I came to be entrusted with this name:

Once in a small village, deep in the Pontos area, lived a young girl named Sonia, whose name was chosen with the utmost care by her grandmother, a wise and kind-hearted woman. Her grandmother had always believed that a name carries a person’s destiny, and Sonia, meaning “wisdom,” was chosen to reflect the virtues she hoped her granddaughter would inherit.

As Sonia grew, so did her curiosity and her love for learning. Guided by her grandmother’s gentle wisdom, she found solace in books and the natural world, developing a wisdom beyond her years. She became a beacon of understanding and empathy in her community, always offering thoughtful advice and compassionate support.

Years later, after her grandmother’s passing, Sonia stumbled upon a handwritten journal. Inside, she found her grandmother’s musings on life, love, and the meaning behind her name. With tears in her eyes and warmth in her heart, Sonia realized that her name had not just been a label, but a guiding star, a symbol of the deep connection she shared with her grandmother, and a constant reminder to live a life filled with wisdom and grace.

In time, Sonia passed on the name, the journal, and the legacy of wisdom to her own daughter, creating a beautiful tradition that was about more than just a name; it was about a shared journey of learning, love, and a connection that transcended generations.

The story of Sonia’s name thus became a symbol of the unbroken chain of wisdom and love within our family, a legacy that continued to inspire and guide those who bore it, enriching their lives with the essence of what it truly means to be wise.