Yuma. AZ — Getting an education in Yuma can be very different from other parts of Arizona. Hundreds of students cross the border to attend school every day.
“A lot of people here at the border, from young children to adults, do the same thing every day,” said Diana Sanchez, a student at Arizona Western University.
At just nine years old, Sanchez learned that crossing borders is a way of life.
“A 15-minute walk can turn into a 30-minute walk because you're exhausted,” Sanchez says.
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She was born in the United States but lives in Mexico and has been walking to school through the San Luis Port of Entry since fourth grade. She's noticed a lot of changes in recent months, including the fact that she says she's been more vetted.
“You never know if you're going to get a second revision or maybe even a K9, so that takes a lot of time,” Sanchez said.
She told ABC15 that cartel violence appears to be increasing on the Mexican side as well.
“It’s nostalgic, we didn’t have that many years ago and now we do. [are] There are shootings happening all the time,” Sanchez said.
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Now she owns a car and tries to block out the noise as she drives back and forth across the border to pursue higher education.
“Learning English will give me a chance to work here,” Sanchez said.
Arizona Western College's main campus is located in Yuma. There is also a learning center in San Luis, just 5 miles from the port. This is a smaller, more convenient option for cross-border students. However, regardless of transportation, getting to class can be difficult.
Many people walk to the port of entry, but it can be several miles away, and once you get there, it's the real deal. We don't know how long it will take, maybe hours, and this has been one of our biggest challenges.
“I'm always stressed out about that, thinking, 'What's the line going to be like tomorrow? What's the line going to be like today?'” said Iviana Rodriguez, a student at Arizona Western College.
Rodriguez began attending AWC full-time during the fall semester. She lives in Mexico, about 30 minutes from the port.
“The line was terrible. It's been like 40 minutes to an hour and a half and they're standing up. So you have to be alert and you have to be aware of your surroundings,” Rodriguez said. .
Once across, many people use taxis or shuttle buses to get to school, but these can be unreliable.
“I was very scared and intimidated by the drivers and sometimes asked strange questions like, 'Why are you taking this class?'” Or, “Do you live alone?” '' Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez's grandfather recently gave her his car, which she will use for two of the three school days. She feels safer driving now, but it takes more planning.
“I just wake up, brush my teeth, get dressed and leave. So it's like 5 a.m. and then I'm willing to wait at least two hours if the line is long,” Rodriguez said.
On some days, Rodriguez doesn't come home for nearly 12 hours. Then, eat dinner, go to bed, repeat. It's a common theme for AWC students.
“It's hard. It's very tiring,” said Omar Heredia, advisor and student services coordinator at AWC's San Luis Learning Center.
That's why he takes care when scheduling classes, Heredia said.
“Look for one from 8 to 9 a.m., another from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m., and the last one from 12 to 1 p.m., and then you cross.” Once you take three classes, you have time to go to tutoring,” Heredia said.
Arizona Western College offers many other resources to help students overcome barriers, including hybrid classes, free bus service, child care, and general support.
“They want you to be involved. They want you to be involved. And I love that, because if they don't force me to If I did, I wouldn't be a part of it,” Rodriguez said.
Rodriguez is the first in her family to attend college and dreams of becoming a physical therapist. Mr. Sanchez is still figuring out his career path, but in addition to his studies, he works part-time as a substitute teacher.
“Despite the many complications that come my way, I'm still here. I'm in college and I have a very good job after all. “I'm so proud of my parents,” Sanchez said.