Crossing the border to go to school in the US - BBC News

Crossing the border to go to school in the US - BBC News

Crossing Borders: A Personal Journey

Life at the Border

  • The speaker shares their experience of crossing the border between Mexico and the United States twice daily since childhood, highlighting their unique position as a U.S. citizen living in Mexico while studying in the U.S.
  • They describe the chaotic nature of border crossings, mentioning fears related to safety and potential kidnapping, which adds a layer of complexity to their daily routine.

Cultural Identity and Bilingualism

  • The speaker reflects on being bilingual as a "superpower," emphasizing how it allows them to bridge two distinct cultures and communities effectively.
  • There is an acknowledgment of the pressure to speak English in school settings, yet they maintain Spanish as their primary language during free time, showcasing cultural duality.

Challenges Faced

  • The speaker recounts finding drug packages on campus, illustrating the dangers associated with illegal border crossings and expressing empathy for those seeking better opportunities despite these risks.
  • They emphasize their commitment to education by stating that they have never missed a day of school, underscoring resilience amidst challenging circumstances.
Video description

Ana Fernanda and Ana Luisa Bernal are 16-year-old twins and juniors in high school. Since kindergarten, they've crossed an international border every single day to go to school. The girls live in Mexicali, Mexico, with their mother but, being born in the US, they're able to cross to get an education in English in Calexico, California. Like many other transborder (or "transfronterizo" in Spanish) children studying in a different country, the twins embark on their daily journey very early in the morning. This film is part of the BBC's Crossing Divides season. Video journalist: Eléonore Hamelin Please subscribe HERE http://bit.ly/1rbfUog