Firoozeh Dumas

13736 Hollister Blvd.

Abadan Iran, 15421

Nalleli Sanchez
18111 Northridge St.
Northridge Ca, 91330

5 September 2015

Dear Ms Firoozeh Dumas,

My name is Nalleli Sanchez; I am a freshman at California State University, of Northridge. I
started college a week ago and I really am enjoying school because it is a new experience I am
exploring. It was not what I expected to be such as being more responsible with my work, turn in
my assignments on time, know when the deadlines are, study for exams and finals and keep my
time schedule flexible. I am taking four classes for the fall semester; one of the classes I am
taking is English 113A. My Professor, Professor Jacky, is the sweetest and I am learning a lot
from her class. My classmates and I have been learning about the reading strategies, literacy and
literacy narrative. She has chosen a few stories for us to read for the weekend.
Furthermore, my class and I are currently reading one of your narrative stories, The F Word. I
read your story and I enjoyed reading it. The reason why I enjoyed reading, The F Word is
because I can relate to it with my family. My parents came from Mexico as immigrants; it wasnt
easy for them as well. They had challenges just like you and your family such as learning how to
speak another language in America. I enjoyed how you described your life experiences in Iran
and America. For example, how you write about negotiating from one culture to another about
respecting traditional values while becoming part of a new and modern society. In addition, I
believe your essay is outstanding and people would enjoy it just like I did.
I didnt like the part when I read about the Americans making fun of your name. In your story, it
describes the way in which Americans respond to unfamiliar foreign names. I see the reason why
you added an American name, Julie, at the age of 12 so you can be more approachable. It must
have been difficult for you to be two different people, two different personalities, two different
names in different just because you feel that you American friends are going to judge you based
on your name and your culture. For example, you mention Despite a few exceptions, I have
found that Americans are now far more willing to learn new names, just as theyre far more
willing to try new ethnic foods. Of course, some people just dont like to learn. Dumas is
suggesting that people need to see more from outside the box to different diversities and be
willing to learn how to properly pronounce foreign names instead making fun a persons name
who comes from a different culture.

No immigrant kid should be made fun of at school, such as your cousin, Farbod, being bullied
and called as farthead. You are an intelligent writer who graduated from University of
California, Berkeley with high honors. You should not be ashamed of your name and where you
came from. Your name, Firzooeh, has a meaning to it that your mom gave you. Your story has a
big meaning for immigrant kids and families. I think you made the best decision on going back
to your real name because many things changed for you. After reading your story, Americans are
now trying to learn and pronounce new names and looking into other cultures. Thank you for
sharing your story, I really enjoyed reading it. Your story inspires many people from different
cultures.

Sincerely,

Nalleli Sanchez
Nalleli Sanchez