Teacher's Day!

living.boondockingmexico@yahoo.com

Today is Teacher's Day here in Mexico. Public schools are closed along with some private. Many private schools decided not to close in a way to recover the missed days from the influenza scare. BTW, Mexican schools will run through July 14th as way to do that.

This morning I was invited to the education department's celebration for retired Mexican primary teachers. Wow, it was a great event and there were three groups; 30, 40 and 50 year retirees. Imagine teaching little ones for 50 years or more.

The event started out with a speech from the Secretary of Education followed by a our state governor, Jose Natividad Gonzalez, who has really done an excellent job the last three years here in Nuevo Leon.

There was a video dedicated to teachers. It was filmed in various classrooms around the state. Two primary students presented the heads of the table gifts and a short speech about how they value their teachers.

We also had a wonderful breakfast. As you can see in the picture we had pan dulce and machacado con huevo served with beans and a delicious tamal veracruzano.

I saw many people I knew or have worked with over the years.

What I learned from today is that we really need to value our education system. It isn't broken but it may be damaged a bit. It can recover if we focus on what is important. At the recent meeting of Latin American countries, we were reminded by the president of Trinidad and Tobago that Latim America was once a strong power house and has lost a lot economically and politically over the last 50 years. The cause; education. We need to ensure our youth continue their education and realize the value of it. Education isn't just about more money, it is a tool that helps to well-round a person, connect them with nature and give them a perspective of where we are and where we need to go.
On another point, I am reaching a major decision in my life. I believe I am ready to become a Mexican citizen.