Why is Alfredo Pearson?

Alfredo Pearson is the name I gave myself. You might find it strange—most people change their first names, but why change my last name too? Let me tell you.

If you've watched the Italian film Cinema Paradiso, you'll recall the famous line, "Life is different (not like in the movies), it's much harder," spoken by a character named Alfredo. In the film, Alfredo is an older man, a nobody, and the lifelong friend and mentor of the great film director Toto. Without Alfredo, Toto wouldn't have achieved his success in the film industry. When I moved to Italy in 2022, I realized that international friends often struggle to pronounce my Chinese name Heng, so I picked Alfredo as my new name. This choice pays homage to a film I love, which exactly is from Italy, and it also serves as a reminder to myself: rather than solely pursuing to be a successful person (somebody), I should strive to positively influence those (or the one) around me. If I can help others become better, then I, too, feel accomplished and important. Plus, the name starts with an "A," which I like because it puts me at the top of alphabetically sorted lists—just a personal preference, haha.

Now, about the surname. We all know that a surname signifies the family we come from. Did I change mine because I dislike it? Yes, exactly! If given a choice, I'd choose to be part of the Pearson family, which is why it's my new surname. If you've heard the quote, "There's no lemon so sour that you can't make something resembling lemonade," you won't be puzzled, yes, this surname comes from my favourate TV show This Is Us. The main characters are all from Pearson family, and they share a deep love for one another. I started watching the show when it premiered in 2016, during my undergraduate, and continued through its sixth and final season, which coincided with my master's graduation and my busy period of applying for PhD positions abroad. The show accompanied me through six formative years. Through its laughter and tears, I contemplated what kind of person I want to be for my family, especially what is and how to be a good husband, father, and brother. The show provides perfect examples of these roles. Additionally, I developed a deep fondness for Pittsburgh since then. Plus, due to this series, I have my own annual Thanksgiving traditions.

So there you have it, the answer to your question. This is my name, Alfredo Pearson， and it reflects my values, my attitude toward life, and the kind of person I aspire to be

---- a nobody to the world but somebody to the one and a Pearson-like person to my family.