Choose a selection from the Crossing Borders. Write a short explanation of how one of the individuals in this selection is affected by a border crossing. Use examples or details to support your answer.
In the selection from Crossing Borders, one individual who is profoundly affected by a border crossing is Enrique, a young Honduran boy. Enrique's journey from Honduras to the United States is full of challenges, dangers, and emotional turmoil, which ultimately shape his life.
Enrique's life takes a drastic turn when his mother, Lourdes, leaves him and their home in Honduras in search of a better life in the United States. Left behind with his grandmother, Enrique yearns for the love and attention of his mother, amplifying his desire to see her once again. The border crossing becomes a symbol of their separation, as Enrique dreams of a day when he can reunite with his mother, overcome immense obstacles, and cross the border himself.
Enrique's journey is filled with extreme physical and emotional hardships. He endures treacherous and violent train rides, where he risks injury or even death to cling onto the top of cargo trains, known as La Bestia. The dangerous conditions lead to injuries, loss of limbs, and even death for many migrants attempting to cross the border. Enrique witnesses firsthand the perils of this journey, which further fuels his determination to reach the United States, despite the risks.
Additionally, Enrique faces an array of emotional challenges during his border crossing. He experiences feelings of abandonment, rejection, and loneliness, constantly wondering if his mother still loves him and if his sacrifices will ever be rewarded. Furthermore, he encounters exploitation and betrayal in his interactions with smugglers and fellow migrants, who take advantage of vulnerable individuals like himself.
Through Enrique's poignant journey, the selection shows how the act of crossing borders impacts individuals at a deeply personal level. It reveals the immense strength that people like Enrique possess, as they endure physical and emotional duress in the pursuit of a better life. Enrique's story serves as a powerful reminder of the complexity, risks, and transformative consequences that border crossings can have on the lives of migrants.