Even though Victor, Mario, and
Martha all did well academically, Lupe
realized she could not assume that they
would face no more obstacles in school.
When Mario was in high school, for
instance, he wanted to sign up for a
debate class. Instead, he was assigned
to woodworking. She visited the school
to ask why. Mario’s teacher told her,
“He’s good with his hands. He’ll be a
great carpenter, and that’s a good thing
for a Mexican to be.” Controlling her
temper, Lupe responded, “I’m glad you
think he’s good with his hands. He’ll be
a great physician someday, and he is
going to be in the debate class.”