Chavez loves helping Arlington ISD families
It’s Hispanic Heritage Month, and we’re celebrating by spotlighting several Arlington ISD staff members about their Hispanic heritage. Today, we’re highlighting Elia Chavez, a Title I Parent Instructor in the Family and Community Engagement Department. She’s been with Arlington ISD for 28 years and is all about helping and serving others.
We caught up with Chavez and asked her a few questions about her Hispanic heritage and time in Arlington ISD.
〉 What do you love most about your role in Arlington ISD?
I love connecting with families and sharing valuable information to help them strengthen their parenting skills. I also love to invite the parents to participate actively in their children’s education. This job allows me to serve students and their families in many meaningful ways.
〉 What does Hispanic Heritage Month mean to you?
Hispanic Heritage Month is a great time for me to celebrate and honor my culture, my roots, my family values, and the traditions that have shaped who I am. It is also an opportunity to recognize the contributions, hard work, and resilience of the Hispanic community.
〉 How do you celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month?
I celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month by spending time with my family, sharing our traditions, enjoying traditional foods, and celebrating the richness of our culture. I enjoy sharing stories about my ancestors with my children and grandchildren. There are so many wonderful events in our community that I attend and it is great to see people from different cultures come together to celebrate and enjoy music, traditions, and food, united by our love for humanity.
〉 Do you have a favorite tradition, dish, etc. from your heritage?
I’m from Northern Mexico, and on Sept. 16, we celebrate the “Mexican Independence Day.” It’s a big celebration!
I cook traditional Mexican food for my family, and my favorite dishes and theirs are tacos, pozole, and enchiladas.
〉 What do you hope to pass on to the next generation about your heritage?
I would like to pass on to the next generation the love for our culture and traditions. I hope they feel proud of their roots and recognize the courage, hard work, and resilience of their parents and ancestors who wanted the best for their children.
I am proud of my heritage and grateful for the culture, traditions, and values shared with me by my ancestors, and I hope to continue sharing them with others and inspiring future generations to know where they come from, be proud of who they are, and carry their heritage with them wherever life takes them.
Most of all, I hope future generations embrace the beauty of their multicultural identity.