36 A few years passed by. One morning over breakfast, Poppi announced that he’d made arrangements for me to go to the University in the fall. I looked at him. I couldn’t believe it! It couldn’t be time to leave my home already! “I don’t want to go, Poppi!” I shouted, looking at him and then at Mama. “I want to stay here! I decided I want to be a chiclero just like you!” Poppi shook his head. “No, mijo. You need to be more.” I had known this day was coming, but now it felt like I would be leaving everyone I loved. Besides, I was tired of school. Now, I had to convince my father thatI should stay. I jumped to my feet. My chair scooted back, screeching on the floor. “More? There is nothing more! The chicleros have been taking care of this forest for thousands of years! I want to do that. I want to be like you and all our ancestors who came before you!”