Marijuana Pepsi Vandyck, 52, is a powerhouse of knowledge with a PhD in Higher Educational Leadership. Yes, you read that right—her name is Marijuana Pepsi! She was given her unique name by her mother who had a bold vision, wanting her daughter to stand out and be a
“force in the world,”
she stated.
Dr. Vandyck often faces the curious stares and raised eyebrows of folks wondering if her mom was a party animal or a lawbreaker.
“I would overhear people speculating if my mother was a ‘crackhead’ – I still have people say that to this day,”
she revealed. However, her mother was neither.
She would also get asked why she hasn’t changed her name but noted that she takes pride in it no matter how unconventional.
“It’s my superpower because I don’t have to live within the expectations of others – people think things about me based on my name but I define success on my own terms.”
Despite her impressive credentials, Marijuana has encountered hurdles thanks to her one-of-a-kind name. She’s been passed over for jobs, and people frequently shy away from saying her name, opting for the safe route with nicknames like
“Mary”
to which she would correct them.
“I won’t answer to a different name to appease someone who is clearly in their head about what they think it means to call me my own,”
she told the outlet.
“It’s a problem, but it’s not my problem.”
Marijuana is a boy mom and works at Community College of Baltimore County. She is also the founder of Action as Empowerment Center for Change.
“I always knew I would get a PhD as I’ve dedicated my life to education – and I thought if people would be calling me Marijuana Pepsi, I’ll be Dr Marijuana Pepsi.”
She also reveals that she does not indulge in marijuana use and isn’t a fan of fizzy drinks.
“People don’t believe me when I say I’ve never smoked weed… I just get high on life.”
#Clique, what are your thoughts?
