Burro Genius

Villaseñor was devastated to learn that he had failed third grade for the second time and would not be passing to the fourth grade. Many children at school were still excluding him, but he befriended two boys.

At home, his father assured him that he and his mother would always care for him and his sisters despite Joseph’s death. Juan recalled his own, white father who neglected him when his two other sons died. His Yaqui mother, however, remained strong despite losing many children. He stressed that Villaseñor resembled his grandmother, saying that she was a woman who “lived with God” (253). Juan assured Villaseñor that the family would stay together and keep their faith. He advised Villaseñor to stop “blackmailing” because it could be dangerous. As a growing man, he must develop “wisdom” and know when to stop bad behavior.

The following day, Juan allowed Villaseñor to skip school and talked to him about money. Juan said Villasenor could carry money from then on as a sign of growing up, and that he could use that money not only for himself but also to help poor Mexican immigrants. Villaseñor’s parents asked his teacher to pass him so that he could attend Catholic school the following year, and the teacher agreed.