Ximena. It has a Spanish origin and means one who hears after the Hebrew name, Simeon. It is complicated. It is hard for most to understand. At the same time though, it is strong and confident. It is also loyal and kind. Most of all, it is uncommon and unique. When someone first sees the beginning of my name, it’s taunting and fearful. There are two things people usually do. One could be that they hesitate and go directly to my last name which could also be a bit of a challenge sometimes. Another thing people do is hesitate. By this time, I know my name is the reason for the hesitation so I take it upon myself to call my own name in the roll call. Ximena is the path you have to eventually cross but don’t want to. It is the path that is so easy with some practice. Once you do overcome the fear though, the name Ximena is absolutely beautiful and rare. It is delicate and complex. It makes you curious as to why it beings with an “X” instead of a “J” or “H.” No one can ever say my name correctly until a few attempts later. My name has been mispronounced a countless number of times including what sounded like the skin condition, eczema. The opportunity to have a different name would be marvelous. I would want a more common name, one not so unique. Although rare is sometimes good. Ximena was not the first option on the name list, it was second. First was Hazel and third was Brianna. Everyone knows how to pronounce those names, there’s never a doubt. At the end of the day, I will always be Ximena. Unique and unheard of, for the better.