I’ve been bullied over my name all my life – but I refuse to change it

I didn’t change my name because I didn’t want the racist bullies to win (Picture: Yashi Banymadhub)

‘Your name’s got s**t in it,’ goaded one of my best friends.

We were 14 and on a school trip in Normandy; five girls sharing a room. It should have been a treat – but hearing those words, the ugly pink walls closed in on me. 

This wasn’t the first taunt I’d received about my name, Yashita. I’d had it thrown in my face by jeering classmates plenty of times.

This time, it was intended to bring me down a peg. One of the other girls had complim...