Before this course I had little to no appreciation to what migration really meant. By that I mean the background, the stories, the struggles, and the general impact it has around the world. People migrate for a better life but also migrate for hundreds of more reasons. My parents came to the US in search of a better life and before this course I didn’t really think deeply of what they really had to go through so I can have the life I’m currently living. The fieldtrip to Nogales and learning about the maquilas and how people’s lives evolved in Nogales made me think of what my life would be like if my parents didn’t make those sacrifices. I learned how the study of anthropology can shed light on the types of migration that occur throughout history and how nations, countries, or even cities come together.

Learning about the situation in china was surprising to say the least. How citizens in the same country aren’t able to live freely in their own country. The Hokou system was the most interesting thing I learned about this semester and something I read up on regularly now. The system is changing and the construction that going on in China to help it evolve is mesmerizing.

I paid no mind to the types of things going on around the world till this class offered me the information to really get a deeper understanding of what’s currently happening. Overall this class was a wonderful experience and the knowledge and new perspective that was offered to me will impact future decisions I make. How I look at people will be in a more understanding light and how appreciative I should feel about living here will not be taken for granted.