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Brenda Lord Freeman 1951-2015
My mother was the single most influential person in my life. She was amazing. She came from a small town in Georgia where she helped her family on their farm. She wanted more for her life and worked hard to make her way through college and law school becoming the first person in her family to have an education beyond elementary. She had an amazing career and showed me that nothing was off limits. She'd be very proud of me for pursuing this degree. -
Georgia
My parents were born in Georgia but moved to Texas when they got married. My parents grew up in the country and we would spend summers with our grandparents working in the garden, shelling peas, riding in the pickup, and helping them sell produce at the farmers market. Many of my best memories come from those summers. I was raised in Texas but have a very strong connection with Georgia and the small town farming culture. I learned to value quiet and find joy in simple pleasures. -
Costa Rica
I was fortunate to have been able to complete a study abroad semester in Costa Rica. I lived with a family in a very small home with no television or hot water. I took city transportation or I walked every where I went. This experience truly opened my eyes to the privilege that I've experienced in life and the things I take for granted. The cultural slogan of Costa Rica is Pura Vida (The good life) and they are truly living the good life. Family, food, and fun. -
Graduated from Texas State University
I graduated with a degree in PR and Spanish. I didn't know what I wanted to do when I started college. I chose PR because it seemed most in line with my skills and interests. Through many twists and turns along the way I ended up also majoring in Spanish. I was able to travel as a part of my studies and fell in love with the culture and people of the Spanish speaking world. I knew I wanted it in my life somehow and teaching felt like the best way. -
High School Teacher
I have been a teacher for 13 years. Teaching has been one of the most culturally influential experiences of my life. I have been exposed to and learned from students and colleagues from many different backgrounds. I have learned about many different ethnicities, religions, learning styles, family dynamics, socio- economic factors, and other cultural elements that shape the students and people that I work with. These experiences have shaped me as a teacher and as a person as well. -
Las Vegas
My husband and I love Las Vegas. It was the first trip we ever took as a couple. We go every Summer and we have even talked about taking our girls when they turn 21. The culture of Las Vegas is about living life to the fullest and enjoying every minute. It's about excess and indulgence. We love the energy, we love the food, we love the shows and we love meeting people every time we go. We work hard all year and it's a time for us to celebrate our hard work together. -
Motherhood
Being a mom is unlike any other role I have ever had. I have learned so much about what it means to be a mom from so many people. I learned from my mom and my grandparents what it means to love unconditionally. I've learned from my sister who adopted her children that giving birth is not what makes a mom. I've learned from my many mom friends that there are so many ways to parent and as long as you and your kids are happy, that's enough! -
Cancer
Cancer, like it or not, has invaded our culture. My mom passed away from cancer and now my mother in law is in the final stages of a 5 year battle. This has had a tremendous effect on my family and the way we live over the last few years. As a family we have gathered around each of them to spend as much time as we can with them. We have told stories and made new memories while we have the chance. We've learned that there are no guarantees in life and to live and love fully. -
My family
My family is the most important influence in my life. They taught me how to live and how to love. They taught me to believe in God, be kind to others and to go after what I want. My parents were married for 42 years before my mom died 2 years ago. Her death was unexpected and completely changed the way I look at life now. I learned that nothing should be taken for granted, especially family.
(Photo by: Aneta Hayne Photography, 2015) -
Holidays
Holidays are my favorite time of year. We spend holidays with all of our family. We have lots of fun traditions from when I was a kid that we've carried on. On Christmas Eve we get together with my family and we have Tamales and Posole for dinner. The kids decorate their cookies for Santa and then we sprinkle our reindeer food on the lawn. My sister and I give the kids a new set of Christmas pajamas and then we all watch a Christmas movie together.
