When I found out that I got accepted to go to the Kino Border Initiative (KBI) Immersion in Nogales, Mexico, I knew it would be unlike any other experience I have ever had. My group, led by English Teacher Mr. Ted Hornback ’83 and Assistant Director for Office of Service and Justice Ms. Jessica Fuentes was ready to experience and to see firsthand what life was like on the border, and hear the many perspectives on migration. Initially, I felt a mix of nerves and excitement – while I had been to Mexico several times before, this was my first time experiencing the border with such an intimate, human perspective. I knew this journey would challenge my views and push me to see something new. 

Our trip began with a hike in Arivaca, AZ. There we got a little taste of the grueling journey many migrants have to go through when they flee from persecution, poverty, or when they are simply seeking a better life. 

As we trekked through the desert, I learned that many migrants are lied to by crime groups in Mexico, and are told that it only takes a day to cross the desert, leading to them being unaware of how truly dangerous the travel is or how unprepared they are for the harsh conditions. 

This discovery deeply affected me when I thought about the desperation that leads people to risk everything – even their lives – in hopes of finding freedom or asylum. This moment really set the tone for the week ahead because  I started to understand the complex nature and heartbreaking situation of the border.

Later that day, we spoke with ranchers in a church in Arivaca, AZ. They expressed their frustration with the illegal crossings and emphasized their support for more legal ways of migration. Listening to their views was important: it reminded me that every story has multiple sides and that understanding all of them is crucial to bringing about change.

The next day we crossed the border at the Nogales/Mariposa Port Of Entry, and we walked to KBI’s comedor, where meals are served to the people in need. I had the privilege of leading the prayer the first day and passing out the tortillas to everyone that was served. As one of the only few Spanish speakers in the group, I felt a deep connection to the people there. It was heartwarming to see the resilience and warmth these people had despite the harsh circumstances.

We also traveled to Tucson, AZ to see the court hearings for those who had crossed the border and were facing legal proceedings. It was very interesting to see these court hearings and see how different each individual’s story was and how miserable it could be. The courtroom was a stark reminder of the human lives behind every headline and statistic about immigration.

One of the hardest parts of the trip for me was visiting the cemetery where many unidentified and unnamed migrants are buried. Seeing rows upon rows of graves – many of them for infants – was truly heartbreaking for me and for many others. 

Our group returned the next day to serve more meals and spend time playing basketball and coloring with the children. It was heartwarming to see their smiles and hear their laughter, although it was a stark contrast to their daily lives. I bonded with one father in particular, and his story stayed with me since he still had hope for. I continue to pray for him and his family. 

Thursday marked the last day we got to stay at the border. Saying our goodbyes to the families, children, and the father was difficult for me. Despite all the sadness, however, I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude for the lessons and experience I had at Kino.

The Kino Border Initiative immersion really opened my eyes and gave me a real sense of what is going on at our border, and that the realities and humanity at our border often get overshadowed by politics and headlines. I learned that the human trafficking and drug trafficking crisis are distinct from each other, but tragically intertwined in this region. Above everything, I was reminded that migrants are God’s children, and they are often escaping situations we could barely imagine. 

For the classes of ’26 and ’27, I cannot recommend this immersion enough. If you want to be able to gain a deeper understanding of the world and challenge your views, this experience is a great opportunity to step out of your comfort zone and witness life on the border firsthand. These lessons extend beyond the classroom and will be the kind of lessons that stay with you for a lifetime.