From the Editor
By Adrianna Alatorre
Adrianna Alatorre and Ruth Vise.
Adrianna Alatorre and Ruth Vise. Among the articles in the 2007-2008 issue of Borderlands is the story of Ted Karam, a young immigrant from Lebanon, who realized his dreams in El Paso, Texas, and became a role model for future generations. In another story we discuss the life of Dr. William M. Yandell, determined to help provide early El Paso with clean drinking water and better health during his tenure as city physician.
We also write about the neighboring community of
Canutillo. Although the
Magoffin name is synonymous with El Paso history, James Magoffin was
also important to the settling of this growing community on the banks of
the Rio Grande. Also included is the story of a “living” New Mexico
ghost town near the Gila National Forest: Hillsboro.
At the beginning of the 20th century, Juarense Rómulo Escobar convinced
skeptical politicians in the Mexican capital of the importance of
cultivating the lands surrounding Juárez and of the benefits of an
agricultural school close to the Mexican-American border. While editing
this story, I began to recognize many of the people student writer
Belinda Alvarez was discussing. Rómulo was her great grandfather and he
was my great, great uncle. That meant we were related! We both live in
El Paso, we both attended El Paso Community College and we both had been
in Ms. Vise’s English 1302 course at Northwest Campus.
Not all of our early immigrants hailed from south of the border; some
left their home in Japan, crossed the Pacific Ocean and came to El Paso,
hoping to give themselves and their children the opportunity of becoming
successful United States citizens. These articles provide insight into
the way life was and is in our southwestern corner of Texas.
A few years ago in English 1302, it was intimidating to research and
compose a paper that involved the intricate details that make up the
history of a region. Three years later, I am a stronger, more confident
writer and critical thinker, having gained much valuable experience and
knowledge from the work that I have done for Borderlands. I am no longer
that intimidated freshman student but a junior at UTEP.
Rómulo Escobar taught his niece, my grandmother, and her future husband, my grandfather and a graduate of Escobar’s agricultural school in Juárez, that determination and education are the tools necessary to find success and happiness. Lucky for me those lessons were passed on to my mother and then to me.
I am especially proud of the work I have done on this issue. Ms. Vise
continues to provide me with helpful insight and priceless guidance.
Thanks for the opportunity to work with you for the last three years,
Ms. Vise; I am eternally grateful. I now hand over the reins to another
aspiring Borderlands editor with this advice: work hard and diligently
and never let conformity guide you. Settle for nothing less than
perfection.
I would like to thank all of the people who have aided me by providing
information, photographs and insight on the topics that make up this
year’s issue. Thanks go to Pat Worthington at the
El Paso Historical
Society; her aid is always greatly appreciated and acknowledged. In
addition, I thank all the family members who helped write and complete
the human interest stories featured in this year’s issue (you know who
you are). Finally, I would like to thank my own family. My love and
adoration go to my son, my husband, mother and father.
Without you, many things would not be possible, and I am forever
grateful for your support.