Background on the Border

These are just a few words that come to mind when I think about the USA-Mexico border.

The border wall marking American and Mexican desert
 Flickr: Creative Commons

During my last semester of college, I became fascinated with the border.  Before diving into complex border issues on this blog, I would like to provide a little background on the topic.  Below are links to some of my favorite pictures and articles.

The Wall in a city center
Flickr: Creative Commons

To get a sense of the border issues, I highly recommend this NPR infographic.

This photo journalism piece in The Atlantic gives you a good sense of the long journey many immigrants take from Central America to the USA.

Here is an article from The Economist about Obama's record deportations.

Recently, there has been a huge influx of undocumented minors crossing the border to seek political asylum from violent gangs in their home countries.  This migration has overwhelmed the border patrol and US social services.  Read about a judge's reaction in this NPR article  and the domestic effects of this migrant wave in this New York Times article.

For a more academic perspective, visit geographer Juanita Sundberg's website and explore a series of writings on the Political Ecology of Bordered Spaces.

The Wall dividing the Tijuana/ San Diego shoreline
Flickr: Creative Commons

Graduation and Beyond!

About a month ago I graduated from Davidson College in North Carolina.  Graduation weekend was a whirlwind of parties, families, tears, and laughs.  I am fortunate to have a group of smart, motivated, enthusiastic friends from Davidson whom I cherish.  During the ceremonial weekend, I got to meet some of my friend's families, which gave me a more complete view of their character and background.  Needless to say, I appreciate my friends even more after learning where they come from.

My wonderful apartment mates: Cate, Julia, and Julie 

My twin brother Gabriel graduated the day after I did which means that my family had to divide and conquer to make it to all the celebrations.  My father went to Colorado to see my brother walk and my mother came to Davidson to see me.  It was wonderful to spend quality time with my mom and show her my college life.

My mother Andrea by my side

As I transition to my next stage of life, I am excited to see new places and meet new people.  Even so, I am dedicated to my Davidson friends and mentors and hope to remain a part of their lives for a long time.  As my friends move on, I am eager to hear about their experiences, new thoughts, and new interests.

What's next for me?

In August, I will start a year of service with PC(USA)'s Young Adult Volunteers in Tucson, Arizona.  I will live in an intentional community with several other volunteers with whom I will eat, worship, and learn about border issues.  During the week, I will work for BorderLinks, a non-profit that raises awareness about the effects of immigration policies.   BorderLinks organizes educational trips around Tucson and small border towns in the USA and Mexico where they speak directly to individuals who are impacted by migration.  Eventually, I will help lead these trips, translate Spanish-English, and facilitate discussions.  This opportunity aligns closely with my interests in experiential education, social justice issues, and working with Latin American communities. 

I will use this blog to share my experiences as a Young Adult Volunteer and a BorderLinks employee.  Get ready for an adventure!