Empathy in Action: Students StSS Journey Brings Global Challenges to Life

Nate Blan ’26 embarked on an eye-opening journey this past summer as part of the Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder program, traveling to San Diego and Tijuana to explore the complexities of the U.S.-Mexico border. FWCD is one of only 13 StSS partner schools. The trip, in partnership with Madres y Familias Deportadas en Acción, gave Blan the opportunity to see the human stories behind migration, globalization, and human rights across borders. Applications for Summer StSS programs are currently being accepted. Students in grades 8-12 are encouraged to apply.  

For three days, Blan stayed in Tijuana, working hands-on with nonprofit organizations and assisting recently deported individuals and asylum seekers. He spoke with a young woman who was deported in her 20s after living in the U.S. since she was 4. Her husband and daughter remain in the U.S., while she has been in Tijuana for over 15 years, ultimately missing her daughter’s entire childhood. 

Blan’s experience also included serving breakfast at a shelter for migrants and engaging in conversations with individuals from countries all over the world. He was struck by the scope of migration—encountering people not just from Latin America but from countries as far as Yemen. One man had tried seeking asylum in 17 countries – he had left his country 20 years ago, leaving behind his family. “These encounters with real people brought the human side of this issue to life for me,” Blan said. “The news makes it [immigration] feel like numbers, but these people are more than numbers.”

In San Diego, Blan’s group explored the region's rich multicultural history, visiting Old Town and Chicano Park and hiking along the border wall. They learned from activists and historians about the border’s deep-rooted challenges and saw the reality of people crossing the harsh desert landscape to seek a better life.

For Blan, the Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder trip didn’t just provide knowledge—it transformed his perspective. Seeing first-hand the human impact of migration and the stories behind the headlines gave him a deeper understanding of human issues that go beyond borders. 

The StSS programs encourage students to step out of their comfort zones and engage in real-world challenges, fostering empathy and critical thinking. They offer unique opportunities to witness and actively participate in meaningful change. For students looking to make a lasting impact, StSS programs are a powerful way to view global issues through a human lens, connect with new communities, and understand diverse perspectives. “Students Shoulder to Shoulder was an amazing experience for me,” Blan said, “It would be great if others could learn more about the program and take advantage of it.” 

About Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder
Students Shoulder-to-Shoulder programs allow students in grades 8-12 to learn about ethical leadership while working alongside trusted partners and being immersed in the communities they serve. Community service hours are available for all programs. Fort Worth Country Day is an SStS partner school, which means students can access a tuition discount, financial aid and priority admissions. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, but programs are limited to 12 students and fill quickly. Learn more about SStS 2025 program themes and apply today. More information is available on the Center for International Studies website at fwcd.org/cis.