Final answer:
The fifth-grade teacher's statements could have lowered the student's confidence in her writing abilities, illustrating systemic educational barriers faced by low-income & marginalized students.
Step-by-step explanation:
The fifth-grade teacher who told a young woman that "people from her country can't write" significantly lowered her self-esteem and confidence, which could have long-standing effects on her educational journey and beliefs in her own abilities. This harmful remark reflects broader societal issues, including systemic barriers in education that disproportionately affect students from marginalized communities and those with lower socioeconomic statuses. Students from such backgrounds often face additional challenges, such as work obligations, family responsibilities, and limited access to educational resources, which can hinder their academic performance and perpetuate cycles of inequity.