hehe you must have worked in crazy kitchens under hair-raising head chefs (to have come away with such prowess after a couple years =DD)..
So far, everything I've learnt has been from trial and error and experimenting and watching other more experienced cooks cooking ;)
I love how you try not to waste. You're right, that mindset sure helped you to discover and showcase amazing uses of leftover jicama..and maybe your being a Mexican allowed you to know how best to use a Mexican root ;)) I hope to one day try it too =D