When Jeannette’s teacher, Professor Fuchs, makes this remark to Jeannette I expected Jeannette to bring up her past and explain to her teacher, where she came from, and who her parents were. I expected her to point out that she had a much clearer idea of the homeless than the professor herself. Instead Jeannette just let it go. I understand why she did not want to say anything, I think that Jeannette feels as though it will ruin the reputation she has built up in her time in New York. However I feel like her past would gain her more respect from her peers. If they knew how hard she worked to achieve what she has acheived then maybe they would treat her with even more respect than they already do.
However the opposite could prove to be true as well. If Jeannette’s peers learn where she is from they may feel as though she is not worthy to be with them receiving an education. I think this is what Jeannette is most afraid of. She has worked so hard for so long to erase her past that she is afraid if she brings it up again she will be the weird girl with the half painted house again. She will do anything to keep from becoming that person again. She moved to New York to start a fresh life, bringing her past with her would only weigh her down.