Dear Arizonans,

            This class of Migration and Culture has created a new perspective to my definition of a migrant. Before, this class my theory behind those who migrate is that they did it only to obtain a better life on the other side of the line. I know many migrants and also have family that are migrants themselves. However, I will admit that with the comfy life I live I have never manage to know my history. That is in the aspect of migration and how my family and friends have come to build a community here in Phoenix and all around the U.S. Through the course I manage to gain two important issues, not everyone wants to migrate to U.S and that migration is a worldwide issue.

On my journey in this class I learned that not everyone migrates for a better place. As a little girl I was use to asking my mom why did you leave Mexico? Why migrate to the U.S.? Her respond was always, "so you guys my children could have a better life." Now, when I take a closer look as to why migrate? I understand that she was one of the oldest sisters and my grandparents depended on her. She had to leave the country even though she did not want to, but for the purposes of sending remittances back. 

I also learned that migration does not only occur on the borderline of Mexico and the U.S. Although, I feel like the U.S. border has been one of the most acknowledge. Now, I have learned about other borders like the Moroccans and Europeans. Or even the border In China of one country, but between rural and urban. 

I would like to leave a message for you, be open-minded . Learn about culture, barriers and realities of migration. I assure you of many surprises and an educational experience. Do not be influenced by what the media pushes on you. Several will judge, but only you can define your opinion about migration. 

Sincerely,

Yerena H.