Getting an education in Yuma, Arizona can look much different than in other parts of the state. Hundreds of students can be seen crossing the border each day to get an education.
"Many people here at the border do it every single day, from little kids to adults," said Diana Sanchez, a student at Arizona Western College. At just 9 years old, Sanchez learned that crossing the border is a way of life.
"A 15-minute walk could turn into a 30-minute walk because you're getting exhausted," said Sanchez.
Arizona first responders face funding issues compounded by migrants
Ongoing surges of migrants crossing the border have put strain on local police and fire departments who have continued to have funding issues.
She was born in the U.S. but lives in Mexico, and has walked to school through the San Luis Port of Entry since the fourth grade. She has noticed many things change in recent months, including what she says are stricter screenings.
"You never know if you're going to get a secondary revision, or maybe, they're using the K-9, so that takes a lot of time," said Sanchez. She says cartel violence also seems to be increasing on Mexico's side of the border.
"I miss the years before, we didn't have that, and now we do. There are shootings all the time," she said.
Now, she has a car and tries to block out the noise as she drives back and forth across the border to earn her degree.
"Learning English will be my opportunity to work here," said Sanchez.
Arizona Western College has its main campus in Yuma. They also have a learning center in San Luis, just three miles from the port. It is a smaller, more convenient option for transborder students.
Making it to class will be difficult, no matter the mode of transportation. Many walk to the port of entry, which could be several miles, and then it's a waiting game once they get there. It's never certain how long it could take — sometimes several hours — making it a significant challenge.
"I'm always stressed about it. 'How's the line going to be tomorrow? How's the line going to be today?'" Iviana Rodriguez, another student at Arizona Western College said.
Rodriguez started going to AWC full-time during the fall semester. She lives in Mexico, about 30 minutes away from the port.
"The lines walking have been horrible. They have been like 40 minutes to an hour and a half and you're standing up. So, you have to be alert, and you have to be looking at your surroundings," said Rodriguez.
Once across, many take a taxi or shuttle to school and back — but those can be unreliable.
"I would get so scared and intimidated by the driver and they sometimes would ask me weird questions like, 'Why would you take this class?' or, 'Do you live alone?'" said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez's grandfather recently offered his car, which she plans to use on two of her three school days. Although she feels safer driving, there is a lot more planning involved.
"I just wake up, brush my teeth and change, leave. So, that's like 5 a.m., and then if the line is long, I'll do a minimum of two hours," said Rodriguez.
Depending on the day, Rodriguez may not return home for nearly 12 hours. Then, it's time to eat dinner, sleep, and repeat. That is a common theme for students at AWC.
"That is tough; that's exhausting," said Omar Heredia, advising and student services coordinator at AWC's San Luis Learning Center.
Heredia said that's why they are mindful when scheduling classes.
"Let's find you one from 8:00 to 9:00 a.m. and another one from 9:30 to 10:30 a.m. Then, that last one, from 12:00 to 1:00 p.m., and that way, you're crossing the border. Once you've taken on your three classes, you have time to go to tutoring," said Heredia.
Arizona Western College offers many other resources to help students overcome barriers, including hybrid classes, free bus services, child care, and general support.
"They want you to participate; They want you to be involved. And I really like that because I wouldn't go for it if they didn't push me to it," said Rodriguez.
Rodriguez is the first in her family to go to college, and dreams of becoming a physical therapist. Sanchez is still trying to figure out her career path, but she is working part-time as a substitute teacher in addition to her academics.
"There are a lot of complications that come my way, but I'm still here. I'm at my college and I have, what I would say is, a very good job. So, I am very proud of myself and my parents," said Sanchez.
This story was originally published by Ashley Paredez at Scripps News Phoenix.
