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