National Women's History Month: Priscilla Escobedo

The University of Texas at Arlington Libraries is celebrating National Women's History Month by highlighting some of the inspiring women who make this organization a model 21st century urban academic library.

Today's interviewee is Priscilla Escobedo, Special Collections Archivist. Escobedo has worked for UTA for two years and in libraries generally for seven years.

Alexandra Pirkle (AP): What was your first library-related job? How did you come to that job?

Priscilla Escobedo (PE): My first job was as a student worker at the Baylor University Texas Collection archives. I came to that job when I wanted to check out a book about the Galveston Storm of 1900 that was published in the months after the storm. I was told that the book was at the archive, but I had no idea what an archive was at the time. I made my way to the Texas Collection and I loved the space, I loved how I could have access to an historical text, I just loved the whole concept of archives. I asked a staff member if the archives were hiring student workers, reached out via email, and got a job as a student worker! My manager became an amazing mentor, and my work there helped me find a career that really fit my goals. 

AP: What role have women played in your career and life?

PE: I come from a long line of women who have worked hard to take care of their families and was always taught that I can do anything I put my mind to if I work hard and am willing to make sacrifices. My mentor in undergrad who helped guide me through my early archival work is a woman. My closest friends are women and I have so many women who guide and support me in my personal life. I could go on, but the point is that I am a very proud woman, and I am who I am today because of the women I have known in my life and the women whose books and work have made a major impact on me.

AP: What is one of your favorite things about working at UTA Libraries?

PE: One of my favorite things is that I can bring up project ideas and they'll be heard. I feel like I can make an impact on the archives as well as our students and researchers.

AP: Who is your favorite woman historical figure? Why?

PE: This one is really difficult for me! I am a huge Selena fan, so I want to say Selena—she is an icon in the Mexican-American community and someone who I look to when I need inspiration and confidence. 

AP: What is something about you that others would be surprised to know?

PE: I think people would be surprised at the kind of fiction I consume. A lot of the non-fiction I read and watch is on pretty intense and heavy topics, so to balance things out I only consume the fluffiest and happiest of fiction.

Thank you, Priscilla, for all of your hard work and dedication to UTA Libraries!