Militarization of the U.S.-Mexico Border
I have been volunteering at the Binational Garden in Border Field State Park since I was 12 years old. Also known as “Friendship Park,” it includes a 75-foot section of the boundary between the United States and Mexico that is one of the last locations where people can still interact across the international border wall. Families who have been separated by immigration policies visit the park on Sundays to share a few moments together. For this reason, this space is very important to the border community it resides in.
Unfortunately, after January 2018, Friendship Park was increasingly militarized, limiting public access to the garden. On November 14th, the Park was completely sealed off to be covered with rows of razor wire. Heavily armed U.S. soldiers patrol the area, waiting for Central American asylum seekers. Now more than ever, I am reminded of the importance of the Binational Garden and my volunteer work to help maintain public access to Friendship Park. In the near future, I hope to return and continue to care for the conflicted beauty of this special place.
Video from SD Princeton Prize Ceremony
San Diego City College Classes
I just received my grade for my second class at San Diego City College!
I was invited by my professor to make a presentation to my summer class.
Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor
Today I received a personal note from Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor. She a Princeton graduate and a supporter of the Princeton Prize in Race Relations and apparently has heard about my work. She sent me a message that said “I am so proud of what you do.” It is such an honor to be recognized by Justice Sotomayor! It is amazing to think that someone of such distinction takes time to acknowledge the work of a young scholar-activist like myself.