[Congressional Record Volume 159, Number 169 (Monday, December 2, 2013)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1757-E1758]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




WINNER OF THE 1ST ANNUAL HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH ESSAY CONTEST FOR THE 
                  27TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT OF TEXAS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. BLAKE FARENTHOLD

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Monday, December 2, 2013

  Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, Hispanic Heritage makes a great 
influence in my life because it is a way of life. This culture is 
deeply important to me because it represents who I am, how I live my 
life, and how I view the world. All these characteristics form part of 
my life and personality, which I love, and lead me to proudly say that 
I am honored to be Hispanic.
  Hispanic Heritage Month means celebrating our heritage by sharing 
stories and informing others of our traditions and customs, while 
honoring where we came from. As we share stories about the traditional 
Christmas posadas, Dia de los Muertos celebrations, and the famous 
Grito de Independencia, we let others know more about our lives and at 
the same time spread our culture.
  As a Hispanic, I have strict, conservative parents who have made me 
the person I am today. I have inherited ideas such as being respectful 
to our elders, the willingness to work, attending church, dedicating 
myself to help others, and above all being a strong person who 
overcomes obstacles I may face; these are important Hispanic 
characteristics that have been enforced to me by my parents and 
grandparents. All this has helped me during my lifetime and will 
continue to lead me in the correct path as I aspire for my life goals. 
I have many goals for my future, and my biggest dream is to one day 
become a physician assistant and make a difference in people's lives by 
helping those in need. My parents have taught me to use perseverance 
and never stop fighting for what I want because I

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can reach anything I put my mind to, and I know that with their advice 
and my hard dedication I can get very far in life. Hispanics are people 
who never give up when it comes to accomplishing their life goals and 
will face sacrifices and have dedication to reach their goals and 
persuade others to do the same.
  Hispanic Heritage may fade away in families who move to live in the 
United States and adopt another culture. As a Hispanic, I consider it 
my duty to make sure that my heritage is not forgotten. As my parents 
have done with our family, I will ensure that our heritage is protected 
for generations by telling others about our traditions and customs. 
When I have a family of my own I will tell them all the memorable 
stories my parents told me about our family traditions. I will continue 
to use traditions, such as the pinatas, language, posadas, dances, and 
foods, to keep the Hispanic heritage alive in my life and inculcate 
those values to my descendants.
  As a proud Hispanic I will never forget where my family's roots 
initiated. Even though I live in a different country with a different 
type of life and traditions, my Hispanic heritage will always remain in 
my memories and deep in my heart.

                          ____________________