I hated my name. Xochitl, seven little letters that mean flower in the Nahuatl language, the shorter version of the Aztec Goddess Xochiquetzal and referred to as “La niña de las flores”. Why was I given such a unique name, this was something that I asked myself and my parents frequently because it was just so singular. My name felt more like a burden than a gift. It was an everyday reminder that I was different and not in a positive way. Even though having a unique name has brought challenges, it has shaped my identity in ways I never could have imagined. I have come to embrace my uniqueness and heritage, and it has given me the drive and resiliency to push past obstacles. My parents first came across my name in primary school in Mexico, whether through stories of the Aztecs or just in tales. They probably would’ve learned more about the history of my name and our ancestors had they continued on with their education. However, they had to drop out in the seventh grade because they did not have the financial means to go to school. Years later once I was born, they still chose to name me Xochitl not only because it reminded them of their roots in Mexico and stories they heard as children, but because my name is a symbol of resilience and hope. Unfortunately, that meaning did not translate to me at school. In elementary school, my name brought me anxiety because it set me apart. Everytime I introduced myself, I would be met with a judgmental reaction due to my name.Whether that be educators or peers the attitude was all the same: uninviting. Consequently, I became shy, refused to speak up or participate in class. Through the lens of curiosity and asking questions about my heritage, leaning into my native language, and surrounding myself with people who shared a similar experience as me, I was beginning to accept myself. Once in seventh grade, I began reflecting on the sacrifices my immigrant parents made. My parents managed to immigrate to a new country where they did not have resources or know the language, all with an elementary level education. The understanding of having the opportunity where I can go further, accomplish, and even surpass my parents' dream gave me the utmost motivation to get on track and figure out who I really am and who I wanted to be. The growing pride in my heritage, name, and growing admiration for my parents, became the foundation of my confidence. Ultimately, I am persistent. Persistence has been the driving force behind everything I have and will accomplish. Persistence led me to keep trying at school even when I was afraid and felt like an outsider, it was persistence that has pushed me to take pride in my name and heritage. Now standing on the edge of adulthood I realize that this persistence is rooted in the determination my parents demonstrated through their sacrifices that will keep guiding me forward. Whether it is my name or my identity as a first generation student, this characteristic is key to my uniqueness and has shaped my journey. Keeping this lesson in mind I strive to move forward as an advocate for those who struggle to embrace their true self, or those who often feel like they won’t reach their full potential because they’re scared of being shunned for a piece of their identity they can not change. My name, once a source of shame, has become a symbol of my determination and the foundation of my aspirations.