My mom was determined to balance the “generic-ness” of our last name with something unique. Smith, the most common last name in the United States (“What’s the Most”), needed something strong with deep meaning. She came up with Kai, which means “sea” in Hawaiian and “shell” in Japanese (Day). Other parents must have been hoping for the same thing as my mom–a unique name with meaning. Kai is now ranked 61st (as of 2023) (“Popular Baby Names”). I am outdoorsy and an environmental conservationist, which aligns with the environmental definitions in Japanese and Hawaiian. My name resonates with my character. I enjoy outdoor activities such as backpacking and volunteering–specifically environmental conservation work in my free time. 

I’ve always been fascinated by Julius Caesar, as he inspired my middle name, thanks to my dad. An ancient Roman history enthusiast, he wanted to bestow me with a namesake that would inspire me to bring positive change to the world “Julius Caesar”). 

Although Julius Caesar is considered a controversial figure by many, his legacy in Rome and in the rest of the world was unarguable (“The Roman Empire”). Being named after such a complex figure generates convoluted feelings. Caesar helped and cared for his citizens by serving as a tribune but also led battles that killed and enslaved millions. I know my dad had good intentions of linking me to this powerful ruler. Still, he seems to habitually ignore the unpleasant associations of people he admires, like Caesar. As a leader, I seek to emulate Caesar's positive characteristics.

The formation of my name is a combination of my parents' hopes for my future. My dad says the correct pronunciation of Julius Caesar’s name is actually “Julius Kaiser.” That Kai sound then made for my mom’s perfect choice of Kai with his choice of Julian. Throughout my life, I have learned to be proud and embrace my name's complex, multiple meanings. The duality of my name has shaped me into a leader who advocates for the conservation of natural spaces.