[Through the Wall]
The setting was almost perfect. It was a beautiful day, cooler then one expected it to be in the desert. The scenery was breathtaking; green moss on the rocks & on the ground, with sprinklings of cacti everywhere. And then I noticed The Wall.
The Border Angels is a non-profit organization dedicated to helping humanity. One of the ways they do this is by taking water out to the desert for those crossing, so they don't die from dehydration. While this was not my project, this was perhaps the most eye opening experience for me. Seeing the great expanse of the border was heart wrenching. It was not only disturbing the beauty of the desert but knowing that it keeps people, all of the same human race, apart for such petty reasons. And it was disturbing to hear the language used to refer to the people who wanted to cross.
Referring to people as "illegal" is dehumanizing, how can a person be illegal? Throughout my internship with Border Angels it was pleasing to be in an environment where there were no borders, there were no such thing as "illegal immigrants". There was only people, human beings who, more often then not, just want to be with their families.
Being able to see & hear & talk to so many different people was a really great experience & knowing that we helped even a few people was so amazing. While I didn't develop to many new skills at internship, I really learned a lot. It was an eye opening experience & has made me more aware of the injustice that goes on around me. I would love to do it all again.