I tagged onto the end of Su's tour group and we became friends. She is 20 years old - smart as a whip and speaks several languages. She is independent, kind, and a lot of fun. She has never been to school and can write her name, but doesn't feel very comfortable about it. Like many Hmong kids, her parents felt it was more important for her to learn to sew handicrafts and help out on their farm than it was to go to school, although the government does offer it for free. Although tourists get charged 30$ a day to go on treks with her, she gets paid more like 1$ a day. I encouraged her to start up her own business instead of working for the hotel, but I guess that would be hard for someone who can't read.