Gabriella “Gabby” Walker (Laredo) graduated in 2023 with a Bachelor of Arts in English with a minor in Art History from Texas A&M International University. More recently, she was recognized for her efforts to collect, preserve, and share familial folklore.
A newcomer to the Texas Folklore Society, Gabby was introduced to the organization by folklore instructor Dr. Kaitlyn Chacon, who serves on the TFS board of directors. Kaitlyn encouraged her students to submit their scholarly works in response to our annual call for program papers, and Gabby was excited to complete the assignment while at the same time paying homage to her mother who passed away in 2013. Paisanos who attended our recent Annual Meeting might recall Gabby’s presentation, “One within the Same.” The paper focused on traditions and folklore passed on by her mother, the Mal De Ojo (Evil Eye) folk belief and the antidotal barrida de huevo (egg cleansing) ritual. At our 105th Annual Meeting, Gabby was recognized for her New Voices Student Session submission, receiving a $200 stipend that was funded by an anonymous supporter.
Gabby was just 19 when her mother passed away and remembers the tragedy turning her entire life on its head. Now that she’s older, Gabby works to keep her mother’s memory alive in as many ways as she can. She feels that family traditions are a very important part of folklore, as those traditions are something passed down through generations that help to memorialize family and ancestors.
And folklore has played a large part in Gabby’s life. Her mother introduced her to many family traditions, and her Catholic upbringing inspired many more. She recalls many of the traditions her family keeps, such as leaving jars of water with egg and lime by entrances to ward off negativity and how to prepare time-honored family recipes.
As her mother was, and her grandmother before her, Gabby is sharing her family’s traditions knowing they will remain even when she is gone.
As for her immediate future, Gabby is working toward becoming a high school English teacher, with a particular interest in literature. She plans to eventually earn her Master’s Degree and is considering a Doctorate as well. She also has plans to write and publish books, such as a book on her family’s folklore that will include her paper, “On Within the Same,” and more of her works. Gabby said her mother was an aspiring writer and following in those footsteps is just one more way she can keep her mother’s legacy alive.
Congratulations, Gabby, and welcome to TFS!