30 years growing alongside UABCS Guerrero Negro

This year, just a few days ago, we celebrated the 30th anniversary of UABCS Guerrero Negro, a place that has profoundly shaped my life and that of my family. It's not just about buildings, classrooms, or degrees...it's three decades of dreams, struggles, and hope sown in to this corner of Baja. And as I look back, I can't help but think of my childhood and how this campus has changed the course of our lives.

I was just a little girl when my mom, newly arrived as a tourist and whale researcher, fascinated by the gray whales, began sharing her knowledge with other visitors. That genuine passion was what made her known, but it also brought criticism and misunderstandings from some within the local tourism sector. I remember one day that marked our lives: I was in elementary school when the phone rang with the news that my mom had to leave the country because she had been reported to immigration. It's important to point out that by having a mexican born daughter, she was within her right to be here, however someone thought she was officially working illegaly, which was untrue. On that day Oceanographer Liliana Lyle was present, and instead of watching our little family fall apart, she took action and extended her hand. She offered my mom a job as an English teacher at the university. The university at the time had no building of its own and held classes in borrowed rooms at CET MAR #21, a local high school. She not only helped her process a work visa and gave her a job; she gave us a new life, and my mom a new purpose. With that gesture, she gifted us stability and hope.

Not long after, the first campus building was constructed, where I spent much of my childhood, accompanying my mom to her classes. In those hallways, I met teachers and staff who became my friends, my caretakers; and today remain my guides. For my mom, it was a breath of fresh air, after years of surviving on tips, she found at the university a place where she could share her passion, help shape professionals, and sustain us with dignity. For our community, the campus meant a before and after: it opened the door to higher education for those who could not or did not want to leave home.

When I finished high school, I was convinced I needed to look for my path elsewhere. I chose a career I soon discovered wasn't for me, and I left it behind. For years I thought I had failed and may never achieve my dream of earning a degree. Almost fifteen years later, back in Guerrero Negro with two children and a small business just starting to grow, it was once again Liliana who convinced me that I was still on time. Her voice has always been a beacon of reason and empathy in my life. That first day of classes, I returned full of nerves, surrounded by classmates who could almost have been my children, but who today have become some of my closest friends. This campus has something unique: it doesn't feel like a school, it feels like home. Today, my teachers and classmates are also my family.

Singing has always been one of my dreams, though I rarely dared to share it in public because of the stage fright that has haunted me since childhood. Last year they convinced me to sing at an event, and this year, for the 30th anniversary, I did it again at two events. It wasn't easy, but it was an immense honor to use my voice to thank each person who has been a part of my formation and to celebrate my alma mater. Those were three days filled with emotion. I cried as I watched 30 years of effort summarized by people I deeply admire. I felt immense pride sharing the stage with so much local talent and visiting artists who gifted us magical nights. And I confirmed the most important message we can share: it is never too late to follow your dreams...whether that's becoming a professional or daring to sing before an audience.

Here is a small slideshow of the anniversary! The photos were taken by a few different people who helped with the organization of these amazing events.

Our campus is so much more than a center for higher education. It is a group of people fighting for the common good, for preserving our culture, for protecting our natural areas, and for shaping conscious young people. It has not been easy. For years, teachers and staff worked without pay, sought resources for transportation, a computer lab, projectors, a library. They continue to perform miracles with what little they have, and still manage to spoil us with quality and care.

From here, many projects have been born that have left their mark on Guerrero Negro, such as the Organización de Conciencia Ambiental (OCA), a class project from our first semester which brings talks to elementary schools to sow love for nature in children. Or MUSAM, the community museum that has become a cultural and educational pillar. Our university is a beacon not only for our town but also for all surrounding communities that can find within these walls a close and real opportunity for growth.

There are so many people I owe thanks to, that I could never list them all: Liliana Lyle, for changing my mom's and my life with her empathy and leadership; to Professor Nico, who taught me to love and cherish our history and honor the voices of the defeated; to Professor Belén, always an ally in our environmental projects. And to every teacher, administrator, and classmate who make every day on this campus feel like being part of a family.

My dream for this campus is to continue moving forward against all odds, with more programs, better facilities, and the recognition it deserves. That remains a shining example of local perseverance. And personally, I would love to one day return as a teacher, to pass on to others what has been sown in me here.

To the students who are now part of this community and those who will be in the next generations, I want to say this: never take for granted what we have here, because every resource has been earned through struggle and love. It is never to late to achieve your dreams.

For me, UABCS Guerrero Negro means hope. Hope to fulfill my goals, to see my community, my state, and our world transform. As Gandhi said: "Be the change you wish to see in the world". And as our alma mater reminds us: "Wisdom as a goal, homeland as our destiny."

With pride and salt on my skin,

Sirena