Category Archives: Snapshots

This semester was a whirlwind of highs and lows, and it felt as if January would never come. I was so busy running around trying to wrap up the semester that it took someone asking me what day we fly out to realize the trip is just around the corner. That was also when the anxiety and panic set in. In a little over a week, I will be in Texas having an experience that I know will change many of my perspectives of the world.

I am the type of person who loves to know what to expect and is terrified of being unprepared. I have been slowly packing all of the gear I think I will need, as well as the things previous team members have suggested. I feel somewhat prepared but also wholly unprepared at the same time, and I have come to accept the fact (and actually become excited) that I need to be ready to face, explore, and embrace the unexpected. While I know I am just a tiny piece of a very large puzzle, the ability to make a difference in at least one person’s life makes the entire trip and the work we do worthwhile.

Reading through past entries on this blog and speaking with prior team members makes me excited to have my own experiences. I want to meet new people and hear their stories. I want to work with the people I have heard so much about, and see how we – as forensic scientists – can work in a humanitarian context. I am also excited to apply what we have learned at school, learn new techniques, and work with the team. This experience will form lifelong relationships and memories that I cannot get anywhere else. And, hopefully, the knowledge and experiences I can share with others after the trip will bring more attention to the crisis occurring at the border.

I know the trip will be physically and emotionally challenging. While it looks like the weather will be decent during our stay, I still need to prepare myself for the thorns, burrs, scorpions, spiders, snakes, etc. we may encounter. I believe I can handle the vegetation, but I have never been a big fan of creepy crawlies. I am also concerned and a bit apprehensive about how covid and the recent uptick in cases will impact our plans. However, if there is anything the past year and a half (or has it been longer?) of the pandemic has taught me, it is that we need to be flexible and recognize that we are all facing our own hardships. Everything may not (and probably will not) go according to plan, and that is okay. Plans change, but as long I remember to not stress about the small stuff, I know I can face whatever is thrown my way.

As I sit at home and run through my checklist once again, I remember that all of the challenges I face are nothing compared to those the migrants are facing. No matter what, I am excited to see what happens in the coming weeks.

–Olivia

A flood of mixed emotions and thoughts are circling around in my brain as the days begin to dwindle down before our trip to Falfurrias. My initial feelings are those of excitement and gratitude to have the opportunity to participate in such a life changing learning experience.  As an anthropologist and scientist, I’m eager to immerse myself in a new culture, connect with new people, and gain a more well-rounded understanding of humanitarian work. Likewise, I’m looking forward to soaking in some warm Texas weather and indulging in their world-famous local barbecue for the first time (Whataburger also sounds very tasty!).

On the other hand, I’m rather anxious about the physical, mental, and emotional hurdles that myself and our team will inevitably face during our trip. The major physical hurdles I anticipate include navigating the unforgiving desert terrain, coping with the punishing heat, and avoiding other dangerous hazards found on the ranch lands. Mentally, being aware of culture differences and avoiding any misunderstandings due to a potential language barrier or political views will be critical. Finally, I predict the most difficult aspect of our trip will be the interaction with the migrant families and hearing the many hardships they have endured, the sacrifices they have made, and the people they have lost during their trek across the US-Mexico Border.

While I feel confident in my anthropology and forensic skills, I recognize that no amount of training and education can truly prepare oneself for the raw sights and sounds that one will encounter out in the field. The key to adapting to this new environment and culture is understanding what behavior is and is not appropriate and making the necessary adjustments. Furthermore, observing others, being an active listener, and not being afraid to ask questions about local customs will also be significant. Each day I remind myself that it’s important to keep things in perspective, be prepared to make mistakes, and seek the support of team members when things get tough.

As I finalize everything on my field checklist, I have come to appreciate how fortunate I have been throughout my life.  The fact that I have access to all the necessary items to navigate the harsh desert conditions with the click of a button has made me realize how privileged I am in comparison to so many others around me. I can’t imagine the overwhelming stress, uncertainty, and doubt that migrants must feel when making the treacherous journey with just a few items on them, if any. Moving forward, I believe this experience will provide me with a new perspective of the daily struggles that countless people must deal with everyday to survive. Overall, humanitarian work is a challenging endeavor that often opens our eyes to the worst of humanity and nature. How we handle the dismay and turn it into a positive force for change will look different for each individual, each community, and each crisis. What is important is to build on our past experiences and to never lose sight of a better tomorrow.

Alex