Students experience border through eyes of immigrants
You’ve seen the newscasts. You’ve heard the debates. You are familiar with the issues: political asylum, border patrol, refugee shelters, human trafficking, drugs, health, safety, and more. But it all seems so far away. Only by being there can you begin to grasp the realities of what is happening at the border.
That’s what nine Ƶapp University students and two chaperones hope to discover in Texas Jan. 9-14 when they join a Border Witness Program at the U.S.-Mexico border.
“We are there to listen, observe, learn and experience the complex realities of the border,” said Ƶapp Vice President for Mission Dr. Greg Baker who, with group coordinator Sister Michele Schroeck, are chaperoning the group. “Much of our time will be spent listening to stories and real-world testimonies of people who have endured the complexities of the immigration process and the challenges—and blessings—along the border.”
The group will spend its time in the Rio Grande Valley under the auspices of the .
Students include:
- Joshua Drabik '23
- James Galvin '23
- Mackenzie Ann Leonard '23
- Hayley Miller '23
- Kaylee Moffitt '25
- Sabrina Pizzarelli '24
- Gina Sarama '25
- Allison Siegmannn '23
- Alaina Stromenger '23
Among the planned activities are visits to the International Border Wall and La Posada Providencia emergency shelter for individuals who flee to the United States because of political oppression, natural disaster, or other life-threatening actions in their native countries. The group will travel to numerous sites for firsthand presentations and daily reflections.
Baker said upon their return, students will be challenged to find ways of communicating their experiences to members of the Ƶapp community.
PHOTO: Children at Arise Support Center