As a ‘Femme’ of the University of Texas at Austin, I want to be a part of the support system that celebrates the triumphs of women. Women of all shapes, colors, and backgrounds – because when all is said and done every women that is attending this University is working to pursue a mission or career that is so much greater than themselves. Each and every one of them has their own dreams and aspirations to change their field in some way.
I wish to celebrate that. To share their stories and show people that the women of this University are worth keeping an eye on and rooting for. Because when all is said and done, the future is female. That is what this mini-series is for really, to recognize the work that the women are doing here, while also spreading the world to other women and girls that they can pursue any education they want to!
So, welcome to The Femme Gems of the University of Texas.
The first femme we toast to is a new friend of mine, Gaby Griago.
Gaby is a first year Radio, Television, and Film major. With plans to double major in Spanish.
I have had the honor recently of spending time with Gaby, we have studied together, gotten boba, and most importantly formed a bond that I hope never fades.
I met Gaby through my First Year Interest Group, it was by chance, fate even, as we were both lost on the way to one of the meetings. I asked her if she wanted to sit next to me and the rest is history! From the get go I was inspired by her passion and creative energy that I felt she needed to be the first femme honored!
But, let’s start with the framework of Gaby.
She’s from Florida, Miami to be specific. She has a passion for Anime, stating that she, “Might like it a bit too much,” even trying to pursue it herself at one point. But realizing that personally, the work was not worth the reward to her.
Yet, she doesn’t let this stump her creative energies or efforts to tell stories. Gaby chose her major because she has had the passion of telling stories since she was young, even attending an art high school where she further fell in love with creating and film.
Her long-term dream is to make it big, not for herself but for others. As she wishes to one day have enough funds to start a non-profit company dedicated to inspiring the youth of Miami and Puerto Rican children to go out and create. To make their dreams of creating a reality. But, when speaking about short-terms, she would be happy to do anything.
This is not to say that Gaby has not suffered as she worked to figure out her personal dreams and aspirations. I asked Gaby how being a woman has impacted her journey. She stated that she has dealt with feelings of not being good enough, even questioning if she is good to begin with. Gaby opened up about her issues with Imposter Syndrome and the internalized misogyny that lived inside her for a period of time. During this point in the interview I got a pick of the self awareness that resides within Gaby, as she acknowledged her privilege being a ‘light skinned Latina woman’. I have to say, it takes a certain type of woman to recognize her flaws and privilege, Gaby is the type of woman that deserves to have her voice amplified and recognized because she is the good that the University and industry needs.
This was further proven to me when I asked Gaby if she had anything else to say and she asked me a question. During an interview made to tell her story, she asked me about mine. If this doesn’t speak volumes to her character and trait of listening I do not know what does.
All I have is admiration for Gaby. She has the passion and work ethic to make her dreams a reality and I cannot wait to see everything she accomplishes here and everywhere after.
Keep your eyes out for the name Gaby Griago, because I have no doubt in my mind that this will not be the last time you read/hear it!
Gaby, you are truly a Gem at this University.