Situated on the U.S.-Mexico border, our community often showcases the great examples of care through the family-oriented upbringing and culture. Graduating this fall, Kelsey Salazar brought to Laredo College her warmth and compassion for others using her passion for crochet.
Salazar’s LC legacy begins through her bringing the art of crochet to the college as the founder and president of the Palomino Crochet Club and continued through toward her graduation this fall. During her time at LC, she dedicated her time to building up the club and gathering like-minded members to share in the fun and flourish in the art.
When asked about how her love of crocheting began, she smiled as the wave of memories flooded her mind. It was here when she made it clear that it was not just a hobby but a life-long passion.
“Crochet honestly came out of nowhere. It was early middle school when it first started. I was young and it started with watching YouTube videos,” Salazar said. “At first, as I was a kid at the time, I didn’t really have that much patience.”
Over the years, Salazar’s dedication to the craft resulted in her commitment for the art form. During this time, she formed and has since been the owner of Kelsey’s Creations. This entrepreneurial spirit is weaved alongside her crochet skills which also resulted in forming the LC student club.
However, amid the pandemic, crocheting became a daily habit and a powerful distraction during which over 200 items were made. This was vital as Salazar lost her father to COVID in what could be considered one of the hardest periods of the modern world and her life.
With the loss of her father and still struggling with the global pandemic, Salazar reiterated the importance of patience. The same patience necessary for the art of crochet was instrumental in enduring the pandemic and served as not just a tool but an extension of herself in pushing through the struggles.
“It truly was one of my toughest moments. I was 16, three weeks before my birthday, and I was just out of it, both mentally and emotionally,” she said. “But crocheting was my safe haven in a sense. Crochet is something that helps mentally, physically and emotionally.”
This foundation was too important to not teach and was a factor that was core to the creation of the Palomino Crochet Club.
During her journey toward graduation, Salazar and the crochet club didn’t simply enjoy the art and intricacy of this fulfilling pastime but gave back to the community. During the fall semester, Salazar and members of the club often worked to pool together numerous crocheted items to give to the children of Sacred Heart Children’s Home.
In these moments, as the children’s eyes shined, the warmth felt within the room was not from the cozy crochet mittens and beanies but from the bond made between the club members and children. It was fun, exciting and a joyful connection between hearts.
“They were so excited to talk to our members. It was an overall overwhelming feeling of happiness and I am so thankful to Sacred Heart for giving us these opportunities to share our passion with the children,” Salazar said.
Moving forward after graduation, Kelsey will continue her academic journey at TAMIU while continuing to teach crochet to new students. Her legacy will remain, as the Palomino Crochet Club will maintain its roots and continue its positive impact on students and the community.
