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.