Alvord explains that every Navajo was strongly discouraged from drawing attention to himself and was taught early on to be modest and don't brag. This becomes very problematic for her in classes where she is expected to participate and be competitive. In Navajo culture, it is considered rude to even look someone in the eye. So Alvord sat in class, staring at his desk, trying to make himself invisible. Many of his teachers viewed his avoidance and lack of participation as signs of