As an ethnic studies teacher, I like to practice what I teach. In ethnic studies, we teach students to stay true to their culture, even if their culture is not the dominant culture. In America, teachers go by "Ms. or Mr." followed by their last name. In Vietnam, teachers go by "teacher" followed by their first name. In Vietnam, surnames ("last names") are rarely used, because in Vietnamese culture, we are all the same family (metaphorically). My use of "Ms. Lan" instead of "Ms. Nguyễn" is a subtle refusal to assimilate to the dominant culture in America and remind students that different cultural norms exist. It is also my way of suggesting with students that like in Vietnamese culture, I consider them a part of my family.

Furthermore, in my practice as an educator, I strive to emulate the best qualities of the educators who impacted me deeply in my development as a person. All of these educators happened to go by their first name, so this practice is in hope that maybe will allow me to follow in their footsteps.

** If you are a fellow staff member or the parent/guardian of a student, please call me "Lan" without the "Ms"!