The transition to higher education often presents challenges for all students, but migrant students face unique obstacles that can make the journey even more daunting.
St. Edward’s University’s College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP), established in 1972, is dedicated to supporting these students. The university boasts the longest-running CAMP program in the country, having served nearly 3,000 students over the past 53 years.
One of the program’s standout features is its comprehensive scholarship, which covers full tuition for all four years, making it a vital resource for migrant students.
As CAMP’s director, Sonia Briseno, a proud graduate of the program from the class of ‘98, continues to guide its evolution, she reflects on the persistent struggles faced by students.
“We have evolved, and we didn’t have to worry about having to have a laptop or having to have a phone,” Briseno said. “But a lot of the same struggles that we faced back in the mid-to-late nineties are still present today, especially the guilt of leaving family behind to pursue an education.”
This duality of striving for academic achievement while feeling the weight of family obligations remains prevalent among CAMP students. Many face internal conflicts, including issues of imposter syndrome, anxiety, and depression related to their academic transitions and the pressures that come with them.
Briseno notes, “There is that stigma — they’ve never sought mental health help, and they might feel like they don’t need it or they don’t want to talk to anyone about whatever they’re feeling. Our most common themes are anxiety and depression, all of which stem from being in a different setting and away from family.”
To address these mental health concerns, CAMP students have access to Marina Solis, the designated CAMP mental health counselor at the Health and Counseling Center. Solis provides essential counseling services and implements CAMP-specific mental health programs tailored to the unique challenges these students face.
First-year students benefit from mandatory mental health check-ins during their initial 30 days, while support groups and monthly themed workshops help students navigate various aspects of college life. Solis emphasizes the importance of these programs, saying, “We cover everything from transitioning to the hilltop — like leaving home, being homesick, and adjusting to campus — to handling relationships, social anxiety, managing stress, and balancing student life.”
Leadership within the CAMP program focuses on student input to improve services continually and measure the effectiveness of programs. This engagement not only enhances the program but empowers students to take initiative.
On March 26, CAMP celebrated a significant milestone with its inaugural CAMP Day, a community-oriented event designed to honor students and recognize the contributions of donors.
This day marked a historic first for the CAMP program, gathering families, friends, and the entire St. Edward’s community together to acknowledge the resilience and importance of migrant farmworkers.
The event featured several key activities, including a Coffees y Conchas breakfast social, an engaging ‘Roots of Resilience’ activity where students decorated pots and planted seeds, and a ceremonial dinner showcasing student-made videos that highlighted the program’s significance.
Throughout the day, keynote speakers addressed the audience, and a candle lighting ceremony honored generous donors who support the program. The celebration culminated in Fiesta En El Cielo, a vibrant community festival filled with music, food, and refreshments like carne asada, elote, and agua frescas.
Organized entirely by six upperclassmen, CAMP Day illustrated the students’ immense gratitude towards the program. Justin Trevino, a junior and director of CAMP Day, reflected on the support they’ve received during their time at the university.
“For us, CAMP is a familia, and ever since the first day we got here, we’ve been greeted with open arms,” Trevino said. “They’ve given us a lot of support throughout our years, helping us continue our education and providing whatever assistance we need. We wanted to create CAMP Day to give back to the community.”
The successful turnout of the event showcased the significance of the program to its students, with hopes to establish CAMP Day as a beloved tradition.
Briseno expressed enthusiasm for the event’s future, stating, “The student planning committee already wants to meet to start planning for next year, hoping that this becomes a tradition during National Farm Workers Awareness Week and evolves into one of our signature events on campus.”
Looking ahead, the CAMP program aims to use student-led initiatives as a model for future engagement, emphasizing how shared experiences can foster community and contribute to the mental and emotional well-being of students.
As Solis noted, maintaining a culture of support and encouragement within CAMP will be crucial as students transition into life after graduation.
“I hope we continue to have lots of events and CAMP Day as well,” Solis said. “Someday, these students will graduate, but we hope that many will take the initiative to keep this going because we’re right behind them, supporting them every step of the way.”
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