Bridgeport Elementary School teacher spotlight for Hispanic Heritage Month is Cristina Garza. Mrs. Garza is an extremely proud daughter of immigrant parents and a first generation child, which created sweet but challenging memories.

Garza was born in Ciudad Juárez, Chihuahua but grew up in El Paso, Texas and was a proud border town girl. She extremely disliked Kindergarten because she didn't speak nor understand any of the English language. By high school she learned that by speaking both languages she could get the best of both worlds.

She graduated from Ysleta High School which is known as the "Pride of the Lower Valley." Garza had many skills and was involved in many different organizations such as the Band where she played the flute and oboe. She was also part of the Yearbook staff, Student Council, French and Spanish club, Sophomore class Secretary, and a member of the Elite Kwahamot Sorority.

Garza then completed her Associates Degree from El Paso Community College and transferred to the Panhandle area to finish college. She received her bachelor of science in Interdisciplinary studies at West Texas A&M University. She was the Vice-President of the Hispanic Association, participated in the work study program, and taught basic and conversational Spanish on "Super Saturday" days.

Here at BES, Mrs. Garza is involved in many different courses and programs. She serves as the bilingual specialist, reading in Spanish, assistant Spanish dyslexia teacher, and translator. Garza retired after 28 years of dedication but missed teaching so much that she decided to come back.

Mrs. Garza is proud of her Hispanic Heritage because there are still traditions that are valued, respected, and continuously passed down generation after generation. "What makes it a little more special is that I am able to use my language now to help close the language barrier gap that exists with our Spanish speaking parents," Garza said. " Todos Sonreímos en el mismo idioma.” {“We all smile in the same language.”}

Bridgeport Independent School District is proud that Mrs. Garza is on the BISD staff and respects everything that she has brought to BISD.

Written by: Joey Moya, BHS Yearbook Editor