my name is bill

"You can call me Bill," my son Chad tells his science teacher on the first day of 8th grade science.

The teacher pauses. "Bill? Are you sure?"

"Yup. Call me Bill." Chad assures him.

Sensing something's off, the teacher asks the class if there is anyone who can confirm his name is Bill. When Chad tells me the story, he boasts, "Mom! You wouldn't believe it!! 3 people in the class raised their hands!!"

"Bill is an unusual nickname for someone named Chad. Are you sure you want to be called Bill for the rest of the year, cuz I'll call you that if you want," his teacher jokes.

When I asked Chad why he did it, he told me, "Why not!? I mean, what's it going to hurt to be called Bill 2 hours a week for a year."

Afterall, he didn't pick his own name, so why not try on a new one.

His dad was not pleased. I laughed my head off. Chad requested I support him on back-to-school night. When I met the teacher I smiled and said, "Hi, I'm Chad's mom. You know, Bill. Thanks for letting him do this little social experiment with his name."

Teacher was great. He didn't care. Told me he'd call him whatever he wanted and he wasn't disrupting anything.

Great attitude. Change your hair. Change your name. Change your clothes. Change your attitude. Try on something new. Yeah, Bill.

Motto: Shake it up a little.

Yes. I drew that picture.