In “What's my name?” China Mclain asks, “What’s my name” “Feel the power.

” Every name
has its powerful life. I have four names, and each shows a little bit of me, they each have their
own stories. Every name has a story behind it, even if you do not know it yet. Each name depicts
a turning point in my life from childhood to young adulthood.
Cupcake was a name my mom picked out; she said I was sweet like a cupcake. The name my
Kesem family knew me by was Cupcake. Growing up I went to a camp called Kesem; Kesem is
for kids whose parents have cancer. I grew up in and out of the hospital visiting my mom, she
had stage 4 Colon Cancer. Cancer has affected my life like a wave affects the sand; it pushes
hard against it then relents, but the sand by the water is always wet. One thing people do not talk
about is the side effects of cancer, it is not just an illness but a way of life. My parents were
constantly fighting, and my mom was constantly at Moffit. I got through this by being Cupcake,
at camp she always could forget anything was wrong in the first place. Being Cupcake at Kesem
was my coping mechanism, I was fortunate enough to be able to look back and know my family
as survivors not victims.
From my birth up until 9th grade I went by Olivia. I thrived in my early years; nothing was
hard for me at school or in sports. When middle school hit, my faith, mental health, and morals
were tested. In 7th grade I spent time with the “cool” kids. As a naïve pre-teen, I fell into
unpleasant habits and made mistakes. During this time in my life, I was not worth anything.
When Covid-19 hit my family helped me become me again. When I was young being Olivia felt
great but once I got older it felt like I was drowning. As Olivia I felt like I was in the cage of who
I was in middle school; meanwhile I decided I needed a change when progressing into high
school.
The first day of school is hard, especially when you spend it re-introducing yourself to kids
you’ve known since you were 4 years old. In high school I changed my name to Liv. Throughout
high school I rebuilt myself as a girl who was sure of herself. I was a star athlete in Volleyball
and Track while I led FCA, Hawkeye, and Student Council. I didn’t truly have it all, but I
worked harder and re-built my relationship with God as Liv. Liv will be my name forever
because I know who she is. As liv I am smart, involved, athletic, and compassionate.
“Moore get on the court!” my coach yells with the sound of volleyballs bouncing around us.
When I started playing volleyball I never stopped. I soon realized playing volleyball and being
known by name last name on the court was going to be my future. Olivia is an extremely popular
name, therefore my last name matters. When I am Moore, my goal is to constantly feel the rush
of scoring. I train and play volleyball every day to get better. When I am Moore, I don't miss a
serve, and I set up my block with precision. As Moore I strive for perfection, and I reach my
goals.
Names have meaning engraved in each syllable. As Liv I am strong and ready for the next
chapter, as Olivia I was young and naïve, as Cupcake I was frightened and leaned on others and
as Moore I am driven. Many people don’t get the privilege of knowing all 4 sides of me. Someone's
name doesn’t say who they are but their actions and experiences behind their name is where the
power is.