I wanted to have a name in Spanish and English like my dad. I learned names can be adaptable.

• I had three other Lauren's in my class, and I secretly wanted to be the only one. 
• My chilean father went by George, as a way to assimilate to his life in the US. 
• I wanted to have a name in Spanish and English, like he did. 

My first day of 5th grade continues to be memorable decades later. When the teacher did roll call in a class of 30 students, three of us had the name Lauren. I was surprised. I secretly wished I was the only one.