I like this kid. I don't get the impression that a trophy for completing the class and a "learning collage" would help Kayla to feel better about an empty class. She's learned the important lesson that self-esteem comes from accomplishment.
Chung sounds like a Chinese name — Asians tend to take their learning more seriously than the average gringo.
Yet, there’s far more in common between Chinese and Japanese, than between English and either one.
Yes! It sounds like she doesn't need to get her self-esteem from one of those fraudulent "My Child is an Honor Student" bumper sticker that teacher's unions pass around to make tax payers and parents think education is happening in public schools. The smart (really intelligent) kids know it's a scam.