Reflections from the Border and Ajo, Arizona

In our last blog post, we heard from Madalyn Bowden ’25, Amy Zhang Jiang ’25, and Abigail Pena ’25 took part in the USF Architecture capstone studio, Community Design Outreach that designed installed water barrels in the Sonoran desert.  Hear the reflections from their stay in Ajo, Arizona alongside Humane Borders,  a non-profit organization whose goal is to provide lifesaving water as a fundamental human right to migrants crossing the desert.

Experiencing Ajo

Mady:  Prior to this immersion trip, many of us had not been to Arizona, much less to Ajo so we weren’t sure what to expect. When we first arrived in Ajo we were surprised at how small and close-knit the 3,000-person city was. It only had five restaurants, one stoplight, one real grocery store, two coffee shops, one clinic, and various small stores despite being just two hours from Phoenix. It felt like stepping into a different world, everything opened later in the morning and closed early in the evening and everyone knew each other well. It was very unlike the fast-paced life in San Francisco where multiple stores are open until late at night and we only know a few people around us. Oddly, Ajo also felt more lively than San Francisco, where everyone was friendly, desert plants were everywhere, and the city had adapted to its surrounding wildlife. Many animals would pass through the city:  coyotes, burros, and Javelinas, small pig-like animals, to name a few.

Hikes to the Water Barrels

Abby:  During our stay with the nonprofit Humane Borders, we were given the opportunity to go on hikes and follow our community partners to replenish water barrels in the Sonoran Desert. These hikes gave us a first-hand experience of what it is like to walk through a harsh desert environment. Even though it was winter, the sun was beating down and our short hikes winded many of us. In addition to the climate, the desert was covered in a diverse range of cacti that can easily get caught on clothing and our bodies. Some of us got painfully pricked despite our short time out there. The physical challenge of crossing a desert without enough food and water is now easier to imagine after our experience. On one of our hikes, we passed by a cross that was placed by another organization that sends search and recovery parties into the desert. These crosses are
placed where they find the remains of those who did not survive the desert. Witnessing
this with our own eyes showed us in a very direct way that the work we do has actual
ramifications. Above all else, human beings do not deserve to die in such conditions.
Through water barrel stations, we are providing a lifeline for those making this arduous
journey.

Shelters and Migrant Conversations

Amy:  Having the opportunity to visit migrant shelters and speak with both the people who run them and those who temporarily live there was an eye-opening experience. We
witnessed firsthand the conditions they endure and learned how these shelters have
evolved over the years to better serve the people who use them. While they have
received support through various donations, there is still much that can be improved.
The people we met shared their genuine stories with us—some dream of traveling home
to reunite with their families but can’t due to lack of work and income. Some are
searching for a safer and better life, while others are satisfied where they are, finding joy
in rescuing and caring for stray dogs and animals, and helping fellow human beings who
come for shelter and support. This experience reinforced the importance of showing
compassion and support to those seeking to improve their lives, as they also provide
help and refuge to those facing difficult life journeys.

Interested in the study and practice of design that makes a difference in underserved communities both locally and internationally? Take a look at our Architecture program!