We have had students who have chosen a "nickname". They use a translation of their name, or choose a new English name. I do make sure that families know I will learn their child's name but if they prefer something else I can call them their preferred name. We had student who picked an English name, and then went back to his Chinese name. I do not want them to choose a new English name to make my life easier. I think the Hollywood story shows a lazy person trying to be funny, and it's not. I will continue to be an advocate for students and helping them choose what they want to be called, and their pronunciation by practicing and modeling.
