Connections

I've sat at my computer for about five minutes trying to decide how to start my first post of the trip. So much has happened already; I can't believe that we've only been here for three and a half days. I supposed that I'll start off by saying that I am surrounded by a group of women with whom I am so privileged to share this opportunity with. All of us come from different backgrounds: some of us graduated with Sociology degrees, some are more interested in International Relations, but we all have some sort of draw to Anthropology that connects us all. This diverse group creates a forum for discussions that I am lucky to be a part of, and I value so much hearing the perspectives of many different people. I already have learned so much from each and every person here and I look forward to gaining new insight on so many topics while on the trip.

I myself am an Anthropology and Spanish double major. I came on this trip yearning to learn about the unique culture and also use of Spanish and English together that makes the United States- Mexico border special. I have always been interested in the Spanish language and have through this come to love the cultures associated with it. The border is distinct in that it is strung between two cultures and languages: Spanish in Mexico and English in the U.S. But it should not be viewed as two parts of separate things; it is very much its own entity. During the course, I visualized the places and situations that we read about, and I can't believe that I am actually here, experiencing the same harsh, but beautiful environment that was portrayed so strongly in writing.

Today we had the opportunity to meet with Gail Emrick, a contact of Dr. Goldberg's who has worked in multiple countries of Latin America and is now stationed in Arizona. She graciously invited us to her home to relax and chat followed by a swim in her backyard pool. She began our visit by showing us the various pieces that she has brought back with her from her travels. Her home is full of these; hearing the various stories behind these items touched me deeply. We soon learned that has helped so many people in so many places, and through this has made connections that will last a lifetime. I think this is one aspect of anthropology that is so attractive to me: the fact that field work goes beyond just doing your job; in turn you make lifelong relationships with the people that you encounter along the way.

We sat casually around a table in Gail's beautiful backyard and went around the circle introducing ourselves with not only our names but also what drives (or drove) us in our Hendrix education: not only majors but also simply interests; we are all very curious about the world around us. She had something to say in turn to each individual person, and through this we could all see her passion in the broad span of work that she does.  Her primary work is in health, but this is so much more than what it seems. Along the way, she spoke to us about hunger and locally sustainable agriculture, water, sanitation, immigration, borders, culture, language, politics and democracy, education, and religion. The way in which she speaks about her work is truly inspiring: I think that each of us have a deep appreciation for the way in which Gail lives her life. She ended her talk by saying to us that she went into what she does knowing that she would not make an abundance of money or live in an extravagant way. Despite this, she has never woken up in the morning dreading going to work or hating her job. This idea is something that I strive to have in my own life: I study what I study because I love it and am passionate about it; I do not worry myself with how much money I will make in fields that are accessible after school because of the degree that I chose. It is often rare that us as Americans meet someone with this ideology, and throughout the past few days every single person that we have come into contact with has shared this passion for what they are doing with their lives. We are so fortunate to meet so many great people, and we owe it all to Dr. Goldberg and the connections that she has made throughout her work.

Not only did I identify with what Gail was saying in terms of the way that she feels about her job, but what she talked to us about also made me think more about what I really want to do in the future. Yes, I am only entering my junior year of undergrad in the fall, but Hendrix gives its students so many opportunities to explore what they want to specialize in within their area of study; it is never too early to start thinking. Not only does Gail work with Latin American countries, but she has a real passion for helping people. She clarified that a way in which we can help people, especially in Latin America, is to educate people here in the United States. Dr. Goldberg brought up the point at dinner that the vast majority of us, a very educated group, didn't know about the 25-plus times that the U.S. has invaded various countries in Latin America before we came to college. If more people here were aware of not only this fact but so much more about Latin America as well as immigration, there is the possibility for change to take place. How many people know that putting up the border fence, a recent addition in the past few years, has so many social implications? Families that could previously roam freely across the border are now separated by a wall. Another interesting fact that struck me was that there is no other border in the world like the one here: a place in which the haves and the have- nots are divided so distinctly. It is purely chance that you are born on one side or the other; you have no control over this overwhelming part of your life. If Americans were educated about the realities of not only immigration but other issues, would positive change come about?

Talking to Gail today brought up so many thoughts in my head, all having to do with my future. Do I want to work with immigrants and immigration here in the United States? Should I work along borders in Latin America? Would I rather help women develop sustainable food and clean water so that they can go to school and not have to collect water all day, burning more than half of their daily caloric intake? How can I make a difference in the world by not only changing my own life, but changing the lives of others? These are questions that I hope to explore further as we continue our trip, finish my undergraduate education, and see the world. I don't know if I'll determine a singular thing that will claim my whole heart, but I do know that I will end up doing something that I can pour myself into and use my education and experiences in order to help others in some shape or form. I look forward to this and am so grateful to have Hendrix and Dr. Goldberg to help me in this journey.

Finding Our Way

The places we are visiting are familiar and strange to me. Buried knowledge comes leaping out of me, surprising me. There is a trail that goes up the side of that hill. This alley will lead to a convenient place to park. There is a boojum tree just around this bend. But, roads are blocked off too. Restaurants have closed. People have moved, or changed jobs, or died. I am finding my way in a place that feels like home, but where I have not lived in nine years.

For the students with me, finding their way means something altogether different. Their experience in this place is limited or non-existent. Nothing is really familiar. They have read about these places in class, but their experiences don't necessarily match expectations.  Yesterday, we went to a grocery store for lunch in Phoenix called Ranch Market. A grocery store for lunch? I gave pairs of them $20 each and set them loose. A few minutes later, I could hear them tentatively ordering food in Spanish, gamely bringing their aguas frescas and tortas back to the tables in the middle of the store. They found new desserts to try at the bakery, too. Later, they told me how uncomfortable they felt at first, how out of place, how noticeable.

For me, the border region allows me to feel at home. Growing up in Virginia, my ethnicity was always questioned. People could never place "what" I was. My skin is dark, but not that dark; my hair is dark brown and curly. Moving to the Southwest was liberating. No one knew what I was, and I didn't know what they were. At the border, assumptions about ethnicity can be worthless. Skin color does not predict language spoken at home or national affiliation. Walking in to Ranch Market, I am the same mystery as everyone else. I do not feel like I am noticeable.

I must confess, though, that I go through life believing that no one notices me if I don't speak. Unfortunately, this belief allows me to leave the house with stains on my shirt, but it also lets me feel comfortable in places where I've never been before. It might actually contribute to my profession as an anthropologist.

For my students, I think they may be finding a path into who they want to be, not only where they want to be. We are talking with people who are passionate about their work and happy with their life choices. I wish this for them. Too often, I hear them talk about what they love or find fascinating, followed by declaring themselves dorks for feeling that way. I hope this trip permits them to feel comfortable when they admit what they care about.  Perhaps finding your way in an unfamiliar place can lead you to surprising - and liberating - knowledge of yourself.

Getting Started

About the Trip

This Odyssey was made possible by the Cynthia Cook Sandefur family, who generously support an Odyssey professorship. Faculty at Hendrix College can submit proposals for projects lasting up to three years, which include experiential learning for students. This project examines globalization and transnationalism and the U.S.-Mexico relationship. This year, we look at the border region. Each student on this trip took a course with me, Cultures of the U.S.-Mexico Borderlands, and wrote a series of self-selected research papers. Now, they have the chance to explore those topics at the border.

About Me (The Professor)

Before coming to Hendrix College, I lived and worked in the U.S. Southwest for many years. I worked as an archaeologist with the National Park Service before returning to school to pursue my doctorate at Arizona State University. My dissertation topic examined identity and education, and concepts of place, at the U.S.-Mexico border. I worked with school districts in Phoenix, Nogales, and Douglas, Arizona. I also worked with non-profit organizations on issues of mental health and homelessness, National Heritage Areas, and conservation ranching. Since leaving the southwest, I have been working with a colleague, Maxine Payne, to document the lives of rural women around the world. We have worked in Costa Rica, Tanzania, Vietnam, and Arkansas. Four years ago, we took students to Douglas, Arizona and Agua Prieta, Sonora, to interview and photograph women at the border. You can see Maxine's photographs here: http://www.maxinepayne.com

Arrival

On May 19, we began our trek to the border region from Arkansas, Georgia, Texas, and Washington. None of those places were 100 degrees when we left them. As we left the airport in our gigantic van (immediately named "Morisson" by Lora and assumed to be female), the desert landscape asserted itself. Palo verde trees, Mexican bird of paradise bushes, and saguaro cacti are strikingly different from our plants at home. The plants are just a hint of the other differences we'll encounter. The border region is distinctive ecologically and culturally. I haven't told them everything I have planned for this trip, but they assure me that they like the idea that they will be surprised. I can promise that this adventure will be full of surprises for all of us.

Family Photo/First Whole Day

Our first day in Phoenix was a success! We toured the ASU grad program, the Heard Museum, and Pueblo Grande- my favorite part was exploring the indigenous peoples modern and historic culture and artifacts. Here's some pictures from the day!

Hohokam home replica

Some glass art at the Heard Museum

Our group, obviously including the cacti

Day 1: Arrival & Shenanigans

MUSIC

http://www.npr.org/blogs/altlatino/2014/04/12/301443014/borderland-music-songs-from-the-u-s-mexico-frontera

In preparation for the trip, I'll be sharing stories and news articles about current issues along the border. Knowledge is power, folks! 
http://www.npr.org/2014/03/31/297152251/stories-from-the-u-s-mexico-border