"Good morning class! Today we have a new student joining us! Would you giver her big round of applause and warm welcome?" said Ms. Davis

"Hi! My name is Tonantzin Andrade and I am new to this school." said Tonantzin.

The class was stunned. They had never heard that name before. Alex, who sat at the back of the class, burst out laughing.

"Haha! What kind of name is that? Should we call you Tom?"

The class burst out laughing. Some began to holler at Alex's joke, others began to shout. As the class got rowdy, Ms. Davis yelled to settle down. 

"Haha! He called her Tom!"

"Haha!"

"What kind of name is that?"

"Quiet down everybody! You guys are being too loud! And Alex, apologize to Tonantzin. She will be your new classmate and you two should get along."

The class grew quiet. Alex grumbled an apology and sat down in his seat.

"Sorry," Alex mumbled.

Despite his apology, Alex continued to torment Tonantzin throughout the day. He made fun of her flautas that she brought for lunch; he made sure that no one played with her during recess; and continued to call her Tom on the bus ride home.

When she arrived home, Tonantzin began to cry. Her parents, worried, asked what was wrong.

Later...

"What's wrong?" asked her mother. 

"Did something happen at school?" asked her father.

"The kids at school were mean to me. They laughed at my name and made fun of my lunch. I didn't make any friends." said Tonantzin

"I'll call your teacher. There should be no room for disrespect at school. I'll make sure this doesn't happen again mija," said her mother. 

Both of her parents held her, and Tonantzin slowly stopped crying.

The next day ...

"Class, today is going to be a special day. We are going to talk about culture, traditions, and customs. But before we begin, does anyone know why this will be our focus for today?" asked Ms. Davis