Participants have expressed their thoughts about the Border Studies Program and about the region itself in many ways.

Click here to read a poem written by Mikaela, a 2006 participant.

Here are some examples:

Question:

What do you love the most about the border region?

Answers:

"-I love the border because every time you think you have everything figured out I realize that there is so much more I don't know." -student from Fall 2004.

"-I love the amazing realization that in this chaos and disorder is a calmness and a world that makes more sense than many other worlds I know." -student from Fall 2004

"-The mix of colors, accents, cultures and languages.... " -student from Fall 2004

-The constant rolling and pulling you feel; of living your borderless life in the context of a border focused perspective" -student from Fall 2004

Question:

What suggestions do you have for future students on the Border Studies Program?

Answer:

"-If nothing else, learn to look not just at problems everyday, but more importantly signs of hope." -student from Fall 2004

"-You are here for a reason, but sometimes it takes time for it to find you" -student from Fall 2004

"-You have to come with an open heart, mind, and soul, willing to always keep your eyes opened. Try to appreciate every second, every moment, every experience: the pain, the frustration, the betrayal, the love, the joy, the hope, the fear -try to appreciate it all, because all of these things woven together are what make this experience what it is." -student from Fall 2004

"-Know that there will be those who understand, in the places you least expect them. So look in the corners, and on the Rutas for those connections because these are the places where your fear and alienation are healed." -student from 2004

Questions:

What is your favorite memory from the excursions?

Aswer:

"-Running around in White Sands, just us beautiful people and white sand going on endlessly." -student from Fall 2004

"-Sandboarding at White Sands. There is nothing like taking something pure and sacred and sliding through it on a skateboard without wheels."-student from Fall 2004

"-Eating breakfast together after getting rained on all night in the Guadalupe Monuntains. Spicy vegetable juice and canned fish on a cold gray morning." -student from fall 2004

Question:

What are some aspects on living on the border that stand out to you?

Answers:

"-Crossing the bridge stands out. I think the fact that every time I crossed it seemed cinematic is representative of fact that it was strange and new to me."-student from Fall 2004

"-Being surrounded by such inspiring, motivating, and passionate students. Working face-to-face with some of the neediest adolescents... in Spanish! Feeling so humbled by the enormity of it all. Wanting to laugh and cry in equal doses. ¡Spanglish!"

Question:

What from your experiences from the border do you want to take home with you?

Answer:

"-Oh my... all of it? My developed Spanish skills. An ability to be genuine and humble. A confidence in myself in the most out-of-the-ordinary, 'real world' scenarios. My passion for social justice. My connections with people here." -student from Fall 2004

"-The knowledge that I can shift between groups, cultures and languages and countries with ease and speed. The knowledge that community, as well as connections to individulas, matter to me. The belief that I have the power to transform the world and my life." -student from Fall 2004

"-The idea that there are borders all over the place that are waiting to be confronted. The necessity of allies in this world.... All the possibilities that borderlands offer. The value of diversity. The realities of globalization." -student from Fall 2004

"- I want to keep walking across bridges in other people's shoes. That is, I want to support and create connections with people different from me, but do so with empathy and understanding. At the same time I have learned how to say 'no' and I want to keep the courage to disagree with people." -student from Fall 2004

"-My reflections on solidarity, the incredible experience of seeing gringo activists from the Global South perspective, the uncomfortable feeling I get in my stomach when I have to declare my citizenship when I cross the bridge..."-student from Fall 2004

"-So much. I want to take home the realization of how completely connected I am to humankind, the idea of community and creating community for myself. Iwant to take home the idea of questioning and breaking down borders/boxes/ etc., breaking down traditional ways of defining. I want to take home with me the idea the feeling of being a true border crosser." -student from Fall 2004

Also, read Caddy's thoughts in "Mujeres en la frontera de un ataque de nervios/ Women on the border of a nervious breakdown"

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