Money
Economic worth is the main concern of Ernesto's older relatives growing up. The family was poor and lived in a very poor part of Mexico before moving north. They moved further and further until in California, when Ernesto's mom married again. Together they move into a white neighborhood and are abundantly more financially stable than before. Ernesto goes to school, until his mom dies and he has to drop out in order to work. Now Ernesto learns the real value of money because he begins to realize that he is worth more financially for what's inside his head if he can only find the right avenue.
Mexican culture
Growing up in Mexico, Ernesto's childhood is pretty typical it seems. He lived in a tight community with all of his mom's family, where he is raised by all of his aunts and uncles as well as his mom. There were no distinct lines between his relatives; they all parented him. His cousins were like siblings. And when the family moved, everyone moved together -- aunts, uncles, cousins, grandparents, parents, etc. Another characteristic of Mexican culture is cooperative work. Ernesto never complains about needing to work to help his family as a child because that was typical in his culture.
Education
While living in Mexico, Ernesto has to work as a child. School has not place in his life until his mom marries in California. In better financial straits, Ernesto learns the joy of school. He's intelligent and motivated, so he excels in school. When his mom dies, he has to drop out of school to work full-time. Somewhere along the lines it occurs to him how much more he is worth than to work in labor camps and menial jobs. If he can manage to become educated, he can make much more money.
Gratitude
Ernesto is raised in a culture of gratitude. Complaints had no place in his mindset even from boyhood. When he moves, he is grateful to remain with his family. When he gets to go to school in California, he is ecstatic. He thanks his parents for the opportunity. When his mom dies and he moves in with his uncle, he still remains grateful that he has family to take him in. Despite less than ideal circumstances, Ernesto's attitude of gratefulness helps him to succeed in the long run in both work and school.
