Olivia Louise Green, my name has an ordinary ring to it. It isn’t special, out of the ordinary, or unique. It's just Olivia. My ordinary name helps me to fit in, not stand out. 

In Latin Olivia means olive tree, or peace. Olive trees are known for being extremely resilient. Even when the world around is falling apart, there it is standing tall and strong bearing fruit for those around. I can relate to the olive tree when everything around me is falling apart. I am calm, I am strong, and I am steady. Even when my world feels torn apart I still support those around me. I am deeply rooted in my surroundings. I am a product of the environment around me. 

Many people will say to me “You're so mature.” “When did you grow up so fast?” “Your mind is 20 years older than you.” And the truth is I did grow up fast. My parents, broke as can be, were just trying to get by. And me as a kid I was like a sponge, absorbing everything that I could. My observant mind is what helped me to flourish, grow and mature even in those rough climates. Close friends and family call me Livy. When I hear this nickname it makes me feel small. Simple. Childlike. I miss being small, simple, and childlike. I miss having no worries in the world. Sometimes my parents call me Livy Lou bug. This is a nickname that I only like them to call me. When they use the name it's endearing. When other people use that nickname it's a joke. 

Olivia Louise Green. This name is who I am. My name is one of the few things that will stay with me for the rest of my life. I love my name.