Saludos desde la frontera. My name is Laura Guzman. I am a third-year political science and Hispanic studies major from St. Olaf College. I am originally from Eagan, MN. I was inspired to come on this trip because of my interest in immigrant rights and immigration policy reform. I also look forward to using my Spanish once we are in Nogales, Sonora and exploring the distinct and rich culture of the borderlands.So far, Tucson has been a great experience. My home stay family is welcoming and makes an effort to include me in meal times and other family rituals, such as sharing highs and lows each day. They live in a community house with two other independent households in the same house and several others on shared property. It is inspiring to see how families make choices to use resources and land in a more functional and sustainable manner while simultaneously strengthening the fabric of communities.
While learning to appreciate and learn from a new family with different customs and norms, I have learned to navigate a new city. Tucson is a beautiful desert city encircled by four distinct mountain ranges that can help orient lost travelers. Thankfully, I have not needed to rely on this tool to get around. My home is centrally located which is really convenient for getting to school, work, and downtown. My only constant struggles are to learn the bus routes and to be patient with others and myself as we all adjust to our new circumstances and surroundings.
I recently began my field study internship at Border Action Network (BAN), an organization seeking to ensure the rights of immigrants and border communities are respected using grassroots organizing, policy advocacy, and litigation. I will be serving as a research intern on their state legislative policy campaign. They are preparing possible legislation that meets their 12-point political principles in order to make recommendations to the state legislature in the next session.
Life on the border provides opportunities for constant growth and learning. While the formal coursework is challenging and engaging, the experiences outside the classroom provide fertile ground to learn more about border issues, community building, and our own limitations and gifts. It is sure to be a memorable semester for each of us!
