In this special episode of It’s an Honor, guest host
Dr. Nadia Alvarez Mexia—Assistant Professor of Practice and Assistant Director of Learning Development and Community Involvement—sits down with Gabriella “Gabi” Arroyo, a W.A. Franke Honors College student majoring in Psychology and minoring in Sociology, to explore the deeply personal and universal theme of ancestry.
Their conversation delves into the many ways ancestry shapes who we are: through culture, immigration, family, and the stories passed down through generations. They discuss how traditions, indigenous perspectives, and collective memories give meaning to ancestry, and how we unconsciously perpetuate practices that connect us to those who came before.
Gabi shares insights from her work as an
HSI Honors intern, as well as reflections from her own life—including her musical compositions inspired by Día de los Muertos. Together, they examine how honoring ancestry can serve as both emotional healing and empowerment, and how cultural icons in media can redefine traditional narratives, uplifting shared heritage and identity.
What is It's an Honor?
Welcome to It’s an Honor, a podcast from the W.A. Franke Honors College. It’s an Honor invites listeners into nuanced conversations that embrace the complexity of the world we inhabit. By examining the areas where ideas rub against each other, guests will engage in bold discussion that fosters understanding, empathy, and growth. Exploring different perspectives enhances our own—it's an honor for us to learn from one another. The views, thoughts, and opinions expressed in this podcast are the speaker's own and do not represent the views, thoughts, and opinions of the W.A. Franke Honors College.