Uzi is my nickname. My real name is Uzair. Uzair Mohammad. A 21 year old currently living in his parent's basement and looking forwrd to going back to university in September with dreams of one day becoming an International lawyer.

I don't quite remember how I got the nickname of Uzi. I think it really took off once some of my white friends realised that it was easier to say than Uzair. Uzi is also the name of a sub-machine gun. Since, I talk a lot and always try to shoot everyone else down, especially when it comes to arguments, the name has stuck and seems quite apt to many of my friends.

Over the last year, I have realised the the complexities of my two names. Uzi and Uzair. They are like two different individuals. Uzi is a guy that expresses his opinions openly and does a lot of stuff that Uzair would not think of doing.

Uzair appears in the summer months (which really is the worst time for him to appear), when I am at home. He is the one that always thinks of setting an example for his brothers. The one that watches his mouth because anything that he says might be taken in the wrong light by his parents/family. The one that spends countless hours with his family trying to make up for the lost time due to his time away.

Uzair is the private side. When I close the door to my room, I am Uzair. When that door is open, I am Uzi. Two sides to the same coin, sharing some qualities but living different lives and looking at others and themselves in different lights.

My friends don't know Uzair. I don't think they would recognise him. My parents and family on the other hand, do not know Uzi. I don't think they ever will. But, maybe one day, my friends will meet Uzair. He realy is a nice guy.

I don't know what to think of this dual life. I know it's good in some ways and bad in others. So, what do I do?... I don't know. I'll ask Uzi someday.