[Congressional Record (Bound Edition), Volume 160 (2014), Part 1]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page 109]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATIONS TO FRIDA BAZAN, WINNER OF 1ST HISPANIC HERITAGE MONTH 
                             ESSAY CONTEST

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                         HON. BLAKE FARENTHOLD

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Tuesday, January 7, 2014

  Mr. FARENTHOLD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the winner of the 
1st Annual Hispanic Heritage Month Essay Contest for the 27th 
Congressional District of Texas.
  Ms. Frida Bazan, from El Campo High School, in El Campo, Texas wrote 
the winning essay, entitled ``Honoring My Hispanic Heritage.'' I ask 
that Ms. Bazan's essay be entered into the Congressional Record. It 
reads as follows:
       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 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.
  Congratulations to Frida Bazan for writing the winning essay. Thank 
you also for your participation in this contest and for sharing some of 
your traditions and customs. Best of luck to you in all your future 
endeavors.

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