My name Ann Marie was
selected by my parents. My mother liked the name Ann but she felt it needed a
middle name to make it more complete. It does not have any ethnic origins. However, when I got married and acquired
Furcinito as my last name…challenges began. First was pronouncing it. Secondly
various groups jockeyed for position to include me. My Hispanic students felt
that Italian was close to their culture. Any student with a vowel ending their
last name felt I was part of their culture.
I always tried to pronounce student names authentically. I know that many students would shorten or use nicknames to make the pronunciation easier for our American tongues. I can remember Estevan assuring me that I could call him Steven. However, I still called him Estevan as a sign of respect for his culture not because it was “easier”.
I named my own children for my favorite Aunt and my Dad. It makes me happy to think their names will live on into the next generation.
I always tried to pronounce student names authentically. I know that many students would shorten or use nicknames to make the pronunciation easier for our American tongues. I can remember Estevan assuring me that I could call him Steven. However, I still called him Estevan as a sign of respect for his culture not because it was “easier”.
I named my own children for my favorite Aunt and my Dad. It makes me happy to think their names will live on into the next generation.