You Must Be Proud.

This article focuses on teaching Amy Tan's short story "Fish Cheeks" as a springboard for high school students to write their own food-themed personal narratives. The story highlights themes of cultural identity and family pride through food, resonating strongly with immigrant and first-generation students who connect food to heritage and belonging. The teaching approach involves guided brainstorming, sensory detail exploration, and structured writing exercises that help students reflect on the personal and cultural significance of a chosen dish. Through this process, students articulate memories and emotions tied to food, fostering appreciation for their diverse backgrounds while echoing the story's message of pride in cultural difference.