We begin the second decade of Borderlands, EPCC'S student writing project, with the spring 1993 issue. This 11th issue continues the 1992 theme, Border Customs and Crafts. Our mixture of cultures on the border provides so many traditions that for the third year in a row, we had more articles than we could print.
Student editors begin work in the fall by reading copies of English 3112 (research and critical writing) projects and choosing papers which can be turned into feature articles. Often editors must take two, three, even four papers on the same topic and build a feature story from them. This job is a tough, lengthy one, but the results are usually excellent. In most cases, each student author provides different details on the custom at hand.
As you read Borderlands this year, remember that when we write about customs, we do not pretend to be all-inclusive. You may know different versions of a particular dicho, or proverb, for instance. Or your family may celebrate a Lenten custom differently are variations, which is what folklorists study. And the differences are what make us a fascinating society!
We worked extra hard this spring, trying to learn computer typesetting in addition to our regular duties. I want to thank Phyllis Compton for teaching me so much about the technique and Joe Old for suggesting we do our own typesetting. Thank you, Phyllis, for letting our staff meet in the Faculty Resources Room when we had no other place to work. Your support and good humor went far in keeping up our morale. Thanks to my colleagues Ted Johnston, Carroll Ferguson Nardone and Joe Old for editing student articles -- we learned a great deal from your suggestions.
Special thanks to my fall and springs English 3112 classes for all their work researching in scholarly manner topics important to the various cultures. Without you, there would be no Borderlands. Thanks to our diligent and talented student artists, Michael Nunez and Roberto Trejo, and all the students who illustrated their research papers with original photographs.
Most of all, I want to thank my editors and our families for their support and understanding this semester. Thanks especially to our children: April Vise, Carol Marusich, Erica and Steve and Linda Guzman. We spent many weekends and evenings working on the computer instead of being with you! Even with death in the immediate family the final week of work, Linda Tarin worked tirelessly along with me and Brenda Marusich to complete material for this issue. Finally, I want to thank EPCC graduate and former Borderlands editor Lynn Cordova for pitching in at the last minute to help with lay out, illustrations and proofreading. Now that's loyalty!
We hope you enjoy this issue of Borderlands.
Image caption:
Ruth E. Vise, Faculty Editor and Advisor
By Linda Tarin, Editor and Brenda Marusich, Assistant Editor
We would like to begin by congratulating last year's editor, Lynn Cordova, who received her degree in drafting, is now employed by Texcan Corporation and is featured on EPCC poster for Women in Technology. Linda Tarin, nursing student and last year's assistant editor, enjoyed her experience working on Borderlands so much that she agreed to return as this year's editor. Brenda Marusich, a working mother and nursing student, joins the staff as assistant editor. Brenda has contributed a great deal to this year's issue, editing numerous stories, researching others and learning Word Perfect in the bargain!
Students who researched topics on border customs all learned more about familiar topics, and many were surprised to learn the reasoning behind certain traditions.
For example, some people may be surprised (as we were!) to find out that on the Mexicans tradition of Las Posadas, the figure of the baby Jesus is not placed in the manager until the last night of the pageant. Without this knowledge, people might believe that the figure of the baby had been stolen.
The need to conduct a follow-up interview gave Linda and her family the opportunity to visit the Licon dairy for the first time. Meeting Mr. Licon and sampling the delicious asadero that he is well known for were experiences that would not have occurred had it not been for Borderlands.
Brenda found herself developing a strong interest in the Magoffin home while doing her research, a interest that led to her becoming a volunteer at the home. This also gave her the chance to meet Magoffin descendant Isabelle Glasgow and other people involved in running this site, one of our city's treasures, which is only guaranteed funding until August 31, 1993.
The enchanting blend of cultures here makes life on the border a continual learning experience. No matter how long you have lived here, you'll never have trouble finding something new to do or new to see. Let Borderlands be your guide. Sit back and enjoy!
Produced by the Students and Faculty of El Paso Community College
El Paso Community College District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
