She was absolutely correct. It wasn't until I traveled to Spain that I realized I hadn't wasted 3 years in school learning Spanish. It wasn't me, it was the Mexicans and Central Americans I was exposed to who couldn't speak it but that's all I ever heard and tried to understand. Going to Spain was like flipping a fluency switch in my head.
Yes, when I finally learned to hear the distinction is was always good for a smile between she and I to hear the mex/central/south latinos speak.
I always remember her mother always spoke with such a graceful and lilting way, and was so upset with her daughter when she and I broke up.
Classy lady.