“Choosing My Name” by Puanani Burggress is a poem that reflects Burgess's idea of ​​her identity and how it is connected to her different names. Despite having three different names, Chirstabella, Yoshie and Puanani, she particularly likes to identify herself as Puanani although it is not her "official name". Strange as it may seem, I also have three different names: Basanta, Kancho, Xxxxxx. My third name Xxxxxx is my cultural name which I cannot reveal so I decided to write it Xxxxxx since it is made up of six letters. Xxxxxx is my favorite and favorite name because it connects me to my family, my culture and my land. In the poem, Puanani talks about her different names and their meanings, but ultimately identifies with her Hawaiian name. “Chirstabella [is her] English name.” It is also his official name which he uses almost everywhere he goes. She says "[Cristebella is] the name I gave when the teacher asked me my 'real' name, a safe name." His negative connotation when using “royal” suggests that he does not prefer this name. Secondly, Yoshie is her house name which connects her to her father's side of her family. This is the name that makes her acceptable to her family. Lastly, Puanani is her Hawaiian name which she believes is her real name and true identity. This is the name that connects it to the land in which it was born and to the culture of which it is part. It is a burden for her not to be able to use her Puanani name even if she wants to. Puanani is the name she chose and her connection to the Hawaiian land, regardless of what others think when she identifies as Puananani. Similar to Puanani, I have three distinct names and each name has its own meaning. First, Basanta is my office......half of the paper processing process. Our cultural practices require us to keep our Vedic name a secret. According to ancient Hindu scriptures, witches and demons can use this name to control or kill you with the help of their black magic if they find your Vedic name. However, Xxxxxx is my favorite name and the name that refers to my culture and the land where I grew up. It's "my piko name that connects to my aina." It also connects me to my ancestors and allows me to feel their presence. While I much prefer this name, I can't use it as openly as I would like, which is a big burden for me. However, for me the meaning it carries with it and the culture that prevents me from disclosing this name are very important. The meaning of my homeland and culture is what makes this name truly special. Therefore I feel comfortable sacrificing my preference over my culture and beliefs.