For some of us (me included), this is our last few days being a Goshen College student. As I reflect on the last few weeks here in South Texas, what stands out the most is all the new friends I’ve made. I came into this course only knowing the names of two or three of the students. But I have been able to connect and build meaningful relationships with many of the girls here. I smile as I think about all the singing and dancing that took place while working. I laugh at the hundreds of jokes we made everyday. I roll my eyes thinking about all the tea (gossip) that was spilled every evening in our room. But most importantly, I cherish the unceasing support and encouragement I received from my classmates.
This is our last weekend here in Texas and, although this course is only three weeks, I feel that everyone has gained a better understanding of the humanitarian crises of immigration while at the same time, physically gaining muscle and strength. Personally, through guest lectures, my fellow classmate’s testimonies, and being able to witness the impact immigration policies have on family’s lives, I have acquired a more realistic perspective on what is truly happening at the Mexico and US border. I have begun shifting my mindset from immigration being a policy/ political issue to seeing it as a humanitarian/ people issue. In addition to that, I have also realized that I do not particularly enjoy mixing 80 pound bags of concrete all day and, after many blisters, the importance of wearing gloves at the worksite.
Anyways, now that our time volunteering at La Posada is finished, we are wrapping up this course and are beginning to work on our final projects. Although we have presentations and papers due we are determined to still enjoy these last few days together as a cohort.
Today as a group we went out to breakfast at a local bakery called Rene’s. It was just down the street from the church so, this morning we all took a short walk together and were able to enjoy some delicious food. We then spent the day at South Padre Island which is located right off the coast of southern Texas. It was a little more than an hour drive which was fine with me, because it meant I could take an hour nap and then conveniently wake up at the beach. We hung out at the beach for a little bit then eventually we dispersed into smaller groups in search of food. Don’t get me wrong, I love sandwiches but boy was it nice to eat something other than a sandwich for lunch!
Breakfast at Rene’s Restaurant and Bakery in Weslaco.
Outside a souvenir shop at South Padre Island with the whole crew!
My group decided to go to a local taqueria. It was a small restaurant that also sold a collection of hand painted dishware, wall hangings, and statues. Many of us took our time enjoying our meal, cracking jokes in an attempt to make each other laugh, and browsing the art room in the cool air conditioning. I can confidently say that my group was certainly satisfied with the food today and also walked away with some souvenirs or at least, a funny picture to remember our day together.
This course, without a doubt, has pushed me to understand new perspectives, hear a diversity of immigration stories, and form many new friendships. This is one of the most physically demanding SST courses Goshen offers. We woke up at 5am to go work under the hot Texas sun for two weeks, digging holes and mixing cement everyday. But, after all the bruises, blisters, and sweating, I think that the most memorable part of this course has been the new friendships I have made with both my classmates and the MDS volunteers.
-Anya Igel, Goshen College Class ’22, American Sign Language Interpreter major
