I know it is very traditional for a woman to take her husband's last name after marriage. I, personally, do not any women who have not partaken in this tradition which makes my decision a tad scandalous.

I will not be giving up my last name.

My last name is not unique nor is there a familial empire built upon it. However, I am working hard to make it mean something to me. In my 18 years of living, I have become a published playwright, an active member of the community, and a sister in the best sorority, all while using my last name.

I plan on becoming a child activist, family lawyer, and one day a mother. The man I marry will not be going to law school for me, he did not spend countless hours editing my articles, nor will he impact my sorority sisters the way I will. He will have accomplished his own things that I would never want to take credit away from him.

I want my last name to represent both mine and my husband's hard work.

I want my kids to look at the hybrid of my last name as a representation of everything they can accomplish. I do not know what last name or names my children will have, but I want them to be proud of what their parents have accomplished together and alone

I know the decision I am making isn't right for everyone. Some people may take their spouse's name, hyphenate, keep their maiden name, or even create a completely new last name. Everyone must do what is best for them. This is just what I believe is right for because I am intentionally trying to build a small city, not an empire, on my name. I worked my ass off for it to mean something and I refuse to give it up.