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In January of 1999, I visited Puerto Escondido, on the coast of Oaxaca, in southern Mexico. I was
accompanied by a colleague who teaches
Mechanical Engineering at the IPN-ESIME-Culhuacan, in Mexico City.
On our first night, we strolled along the street market and engaged in conversation with a
young lady from
Chiapas, who was selling inexpensive jewelry.
Curious to find out more about her, we asked her what year of
schooling had she completed.
She responded: "First grade."
We said, almost in unison: "How come you did not continue your schooling?"
She answered promptly: "I did not see the need. My cousin has a fifth-grade education, and she is
mopping floors. I prefer this type of work; I am independent, and do what I want to, whenever I want to."
We looked at each other with a mix of surprise and amusement, and realized that we did not have an answer for her.
We had a feeling she had taught us a lesson, but did not know for sure what is was.
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