Hispanic Heritage Month - Elizabeth Garcia
Elizabeth Garcia is very proud of her Hispanic heritage. She states that her “…heritage, which is deeply rooted in culture, values and traditions…” and that those same values translate into her work ethic. Because of the way she was raised, “…my deep seeded principles are what makes my work ethic strong. I cherish the opportunities that are given to me, and I try to always give it my all in everything I do.”
Keeping in touch with tradition and her Hispanic heritage, Elizabeth expanded upon her love of music. She furthered by discussing how “…music is a very important part of the Mexican culture, and is always an integral part of a every celebration, whether big or small. The music of Mexico sings of love, country, passion, history, legend and oppression, among other things.” Elizabeth has managed to incorporate music into her life on a daily basis. With a smile I could hear in her voice, she discussed how “…in a Mexican household, you do not do anything without a lot of music…you clean, you cook, you cry all while you have your music on full blast. It’s that special Latin rhythm that gets us moving and motivated!”
I spoke to Elizabeth a bit further, inquiring about what brings her family and friends together in celebration. As is similar to so many cultures around the globe, “…traditionally, food represents a strong symbolic component in Latino communities. It brings people together, it is our connection to our roots, cultural heritage, and our identity.” Some of her favorites include enchiladas, fajitas, burritos, tacos, pozole, tamales, mole poblano (which she explained to me is actually a signature dish of Mexico), rice, beans, chile rellenos, “…and the list goes on and on!”
Hispanic Heritage Month is another celebration that Elizabeth both respects and appreciates the historical impact of the festivities beginning on the evening of September 15. To her recollection, “…this event marks the beginning of the war in Mexico to free themselves from the Spanish monarchy that ruled over them for almost 300 years. On this day, the priest Miguel Hidalgo y Costilla rang the church bell in the small town of Dolores, Guanajuato and gathered the community in the town square. In a most historic movement, he asked the townsfolk to rise up in arms, thus beginning the rebellion against Spain.”
In memoriam of the rebellion, the Independence Bell continues to ring in tradition every September 15th at 11:00 p.m. in all the states and municipalities of throughout the country. “When the bell rings, everyone in the government, from the President of Mexico to each local representative, proudly wave the Mexican flag and shout out to the masses long live the heroes who gave us our country…long live Mexico!" This chant, also referred to as the Cry of Dolores, symbolizes the call to fight for everlasting freedom from oppression.
Elizabeth has at times felt challenged with her personal work life balance wellbeing against her passion to do her best in all she takes on. “I do have to be honest and say that it was hard to successfully find a work life balance as we were always taught to work hard and never settle for less. We were always told not to ask for help when you could do it yourself. If you are healthy and strong then there’s no reason why you should not go out there and work! If you don’t work, you don’t eat! (yo se rei lol)…so I do have to say, that work was a priority and if you are given the opportunity, then take it and value every second of it.”
The TMG family is honored to have such a hard worker on our team, and Elizabeth, enjoy the celebration!