No two homecoming tales are the same, just like no two refugees’ stories are identical. Pulitzer Prize-winning author Sonia Nazario enjoyed her own homecoming while sharing the journey of one amongst many migrant children coming to the United States to be reunited with
his mother.
Nazario’s best-selling book Enrique’s Journey is a much different type of love story than most people are accustomed to reading. In the book, Nazario chronicles the trials and travels of a young Honduran boy on a mission to see his mother, who left Enrique and his sister with relatives in their home country in pursuit of a more lucrative job in the U.S.
Originally a Wall Street Journal reporter, Nazario followed her passion for social justice and expertise at fly-on-the-wall reporting to bring the story of refugee children like Enrique to life. Her coverage began as a series, “Enrique’s Journey,” in the Los Angeles Times, earning her a Pulitzer Prize for feature writing in 2003. She later expanded upon her work to write her book of the same name.
In order to capture this story effectively and poignantly, Nazario traveled north from Honduras to the United States the way Enrique did, and like thousands of other migrant children do: by riding atop trains. This journey is incredibly dangerous, as riders have not only train safety to consider, but also the dangers associated with smugglers and drug lords who prey upon rooftop travelers. After she completed the cycle once, Nazario again made the trek north through Central America, interviewing fellow passengers and witnessing firsthand the horrors
refugees face.
The book — which all Donnelly freshmen read this year — is emotionally challenging and powerful, and Nazario’s April 6 presentations at the College were no different. After speaking to students in the morning, Nazario (who grew up in Lenexa, Kansas and Argentina) offered her remarks on this story, children refugees and immigration reform.
“When I asked Sonia Nazario to come to Donnelly, I was hoping the students would be able to relate to her as an immigrant from Kansas City who worked hard to become successful, and who could share her story and Enrique’s story of grit (ganas) and perseverance,” said Director of Preparatory Education Lisa Stoothoff. “She brought Enrique’s story to life through her own eyes and past experiences.”
Nazario also offered an afternoon presentation that was open to the public, where she led a discussion for a full crowd of attendees from across the Kansas City metro.
“I believe that we can have a full-throated debate on the pluses and minuses of immigrants coming here for economic reasons,” Nazario said.
Citing the ever-growing drug problems in Central America, Nazario advocated for policy reforms to better support citizens of impoverished countries.
Irene Caudillo, President and CEO of El Centro, Inc., and recent recipient of Donnelly’s Delta Award (see story on pg. 12), encounters many children like those in Enrique’s Journey.
“Their stories are so similar — what they encounter; what they saw,” Caudillo said. “I admire the fact that [Nazario] brings this story to light.”
Nazario’s presentation and the ensuing conversation encouraged attendees to reflect upon what they learned and how this this type of community dialogue aids people from all walks of life. Additionally, Nazario offered on-campus book signings after each presentation, organized in partnership with Rainy Day Books.
“Donnelly’s effort in bringing a person with a Kansas connection to tell these stories not only to students but also to members of the general public — that’s a huge service,” said attendee C.J. Janovy, Arts Reporter for KCUR 89.3 FM.
his mother.
Nazario’s best-selling book Enrique’s Journey is a much different type of love story than most people are accustomed to reading. In the book, Nazario chronicles the trials and travels of a young Honduran boy on a mission to see his mother, who left Enrique and his sister with relatives in their home country in pursuit of a more lucrative job in the U.S.
Originally a Wall Street Journal reporter, Nazario followed her passion for social justice and expertise at fly-on-the-wall reporting to bring the story of refugee children like Enrique to life. Her coverage began as a series, “Enrique’s Journey,” in the Los Angeles Times, earning her a Pulitzer Prize for feature writing in 2003. She later expanded upon her work to write her book of the same name.
In order to capture this story effectively and poignantly, Nazario traveled north from Honduras to the United States the way Enrique did, and like thousands of other migrant children do: by riding atop trains. This journey is incredibly dangerous, as riders have not only train safety to consider, but also the dangers associated with smugglers and drug lords who prey upon rooftop travelers. After she completed the cycle once, Nazario again made the trek north through Central America, interviewing fellow passengers and witnessing firsthand the horrors
refugees face.
The book — which all Donnelly freshmen read this year — is emotionally challenging and powerful, and Nazario’s April 6 presentations at the College were no different. After speaking to students in the morning, Nazario (who grew up in Lenexa, Kansas and Argentina) offered her remarks on this story, children refugees and immigration reform.
“When I asked Sonia Nazario to come to Donnelly, I was hoping the students would be able to relate to her as an immigrant from Kansas City who worked hard to become successful, and who could share her story and Enrique’s story of grit (ganas) and perseverance,” said Director of Preparatory Education Lisa Stoothoff. “She brought Enrique’s story to life through her own eyes and past experiences.”
Nazario also offered an afternoon presentation that was open to the public, where she led a discussion for a full crowd of attendees from across the Kansas City metro.
“I believe that we can have a full-throated debate on the pluses and minuses of immigrants coming here for economic reasons,” Nazario said.
Citing the ever-growing drug problems in Central America, Nazario advocated for policy reforms to better support citizens of impoverished countries.
Irene Caudillo, President and CEO of El Centro, Inc., and recent recipient of Donnelly’s Delta Award (see story on pg. 12), encounters many children like those in Enrique’s Journey.
“Their stories are so similar — what they encounter; what they saw,” Caudillo said. “I admire the fact that [Nazario] brings this story to light.”
Nazario’s presentation and the ensuing conversation encouraged attendees to reflect upon what they learned and how this this type of community dialogue aids people from all walks of life. Additionally, Nazario offered on-campus book signings after each presentation, organized in partnership with Rainy Day Books.
“Donnelly’s effort in bringing a person with a Kansas connection to tell these stories not only to students but also to members of the general public — that’s a huge service,” said attendee C.J. Janovy, Arts Reporter for KCUR 89.3 FM.