Since I've become involved in Border Beat, not only do I feel like my reporting and multimedia skills have improved, but my awareness of the border truly rose to the surface.

Although I've lived so close to Mexico my whole life here in Arizona, I never really thought much or even really cared about border issues. I entered as a staff member of the publication without a real clue about what "border issues" even were, and had little sense of whom was really affected. Putting myself out there this semester - through reporting, discussing and blogging - for the first time ever, to me the border became less of a piece of land. For the first time in my life, I look at the border as home to many.

When I think I about the border now, I think about the people I have met from Mexico. I think about those that have crossed legally or illegally, putting their lives and money on the line and those that have family on the other side, who are unable to join them in U.S.

Six months ago, when I would consider the "culture" of the border, I'd think about the small businesses, the desertous landscapes and of course the food. Now, I think about the music produced by Mexican students in Mariachi Tesoro de Tucson, who pour there hearts out through instruments... in hopes to fully express the sounds of Latin America.

As I try to consider the "issues" surrounding the border, now I can only reminisce about the hundreds that came out to protest Michael Chertoff last month at the UA, those who screamed and waived signs to tear the wall down.

I also look at the students who attend Las Artes in South Tucson, the majority of whom have Mexico in their blood and unlike me, are bilingual. Their beautiful murals spot our city, Tucson, and fully portray the beauty of Mexican art through the colors and images.

When I first started this blog, I wanted to cover health issues. I wanted to talk about all the miscellaneous health problems and agencies that affected border communities. Now, I remember the 100s of children that come to Saint Andrew's Clinic monthly from all over Mexico, for their chance to receive free health services. These children's lives are changed through therapy, surgery and even the chance to see or hear for the first time in their lives.

Border Beat was more than just a reporting class. It was a lesson in history and news, and to me, an opportunity to learn about people. I have met so many; from children to elderly, teachers to doctors, Mexican and American. In the end, I really don't beleive a border can define us, but in the case of the Border Beat class, can really bring us together.