When I was in High School (way back before i turned 39) my principal knew of my interests in agriculture AND construction. I was not the best student, but I was not stupid. Just plain lazy. My principal would call me into his office three or four times per year to try to persuade me that i should take Spanish for atleast a couple of years. My mom tried to get me to take Latin. To both, my reply wass "I have too much problem with English. Why take another language?" I did try Latin for about 4 weeks, or so. The teacher thought I was cheating, my grades were so poor. (A long story there) Finally, Mom agreed that Latin was not for me, but the principal kept after me. I never agreed with him, even tho he had my best interests in mind.
Years later, with my landscaping business in full swing, I began hiring foreign born workers. All of those workers understood at least a rudiment of English. They understood a lot more English than I understood Spanish and Portugese.
Also, along the way, I met a cute German lady. I should have learned German. She taught me to say "Yah" before she taught me how to say "nine". that was over 50 years ago. I do understand a little of her languge, at least enough to know when to shut my own mouth now. She is probably smarter than I as she has become quite fluent in English.
Tinker
