Reframing Identity: A personal journey with iGENEA
Family name Washington
Undertaking the iGENEA DNA test has proven to be an emotionally charged journey, completely transforming my perceptions about my family history and the origins of the surname Washington.
Taking the iGENEA DNA test has been an emotionally enlightening journey, one that has notably shifted my understanding of my family history andour surname, Washington. My experiences with the DNA test, were indeed powerful, stirring mixed feelings of disbelief, awe, and immense joy.
I found the process captivating right from the start - from swabbing my cheek to waiting impatiently for the results to make their way back to me. The moment I received notifications that my test results were ready to view, my heart started pounding, setting the stage for an emotional roller coaster.
Upon learning that my ancestors were not from where I thought they were, an overwhelming sense of disbelief washed over me. The test told me that my family originated from a part of the world I did not anticipate - Eastern Europe. This contradicted everything I previously believed about my family's history and the origin of our surname. It felt as though a rug had been swiftly pulled from beneath my feet.
At the same time, there was a profound sense of awe. To think that my bloodline had crossed countries, cultures, and centuries to get where I am today was nothing short of mind-boggling. This revelation allowed me to appreciate the vast interconnectedness of humanity and how our paths are often more intertwined than we realize.
The ties to Washington - a surname I had always linked with America, especially with the first president, George Washington – were now cloaked in mystery. However, the discovery that my ancestry traced back to Eastern Europe did not diminish the pride I have in the name "Washington." On the contrary, it added a layer of complexity and intrigue to the name, making it more than just an American heritage, but a deeper narrative transcending geographical boundaries.
The DNA test wasn't just a revelations of my genetic composition, it was an emotional journey into the past and a reshaping of identity. It has not only influenced how I view myself, but also how I view ancestry, the surname Washington, my relationships within my family, and my place in the world. Through all this, iGENEA has given me the gift of understanding - understanding of my roots and a new perspective on my identity.
C. Washington