¡Bienvenidos a Tucson! Me llamo Luís y soy un estudiante de La Programa de Estudios Fronterizos, 2008. I am a junior at Albion College and a History and Spanish double major. I grew up in Ann Arbor and work at the University of Michigan Hospital during summer breaks.Choosing to stu
dy abroad with the Border Studies Program was a difficult decision for me. I often imagined my off campus experience taking place in Spain, not within the US. Although, when it came time to decide, I chose what I felt would be the most challenging experience. The Border Studies Program focuses on immigration issues, border policy, and the effects of that policy. That means when we go out and experience the border reality, we are not backpacking, sightseeing, or partying. On the contrary, we “rough” it for the benefit of a new perspective. That principle of challenging students rings especially true for my experience so far.My initial host family placement has been amazing! I’ve found that almost everyone I talk to really enjoys who they are staying with. A great example of this is food. For at least half of the participants, what type of food they eat matters. My host family is well-suited to my needs: my host dad is a great chef, and what he cannot cook, he takes me out to a restaurant to try new things. The best example I can think of is our weekly trips for Sonora style hot dogs. Not only do we all enjoy delicious hot dogs wrapped in bacon, but my host family takes 90 minutes out of their day to ask me about school, life, and what is stressing me out. They even offer great advice: skip school more and they’ll take me on random trips to Phoenix to unwind. I didn’t take their advice (lol!), but I always feel too full, and that makes for a happy kid.
If I’m not in class or at home, I’m probably working on my field internship with the American Friends Service Committee (AFSC). This internship is worth 5 credit hours and requires 15 hours per week. At my internship, I work closely with conducting surveys on the new E-verify law. I’ve
conducted at least 25 interviews and have heard a wide range of opinions on the issue of immigration. This internship has given me the opportunity to get real, hands on experience with the immigration issue on the border. What more could I ask for?This last week was very challenging. The Altar trip pushed everyone, and we needed a weekend for some R&R. I was able to catch up on my homework and celebrate Mexican Independence Day on Saturday. I even participated in specific events to celebrate on Sunday by dancing and eating traditional foods. You are what you eat! And I am happy!
With all the events I was able to participate in this weekend, I almost forgot I was abroad! I am excited for the Mexico City trip in a couple of weeks, and I hope that this weekend was taken advantage of by everyone here. I can’t wait to get up early tomorrow and start working out again. Life is good.
Lou
