Final Entry: Reflecting Into the Heart of the Archives - 14JUL2025 - Supervisor: Claudia Romero

Practicum Reflection:

When I began my practicum at the Border Heritage Center, I had a general idea of what I would be doing: processing historical collections, creating finding aids, and applying preservation techniques. I expected to gain experience with metadata standards, archival arrangement, and maybe even get some hands-on practice with fragile materials. What I didn’t expect was how emotionally connected I would become to the collections, especially the Dolan Papers. Each folder revealed new stories, and each document I touched became part of a larger, often forgotten, narrative of Texas frontier history. It was a powerful reminder of the importance of what archivists do; not just storing history but honoring it. I learned that my work has the potential to bridge generations, making it possible for researchers, students, and the public to access lives and legacies that deserve to be remembered. This experience wasn’t just about paperwork; it was about preserving identity, culture, and truth. The Border Heritage Center provided the perfect space to explore this responsibility with care, diligence, and a sense of purpose. I walked in expecting to process boxes; I walked out knowing I was preserving lives.

One of the most valuable things I learned was how to treat archival materials with both technical skill and empathy. I expected to do preservation work, but I didn’t realize how intricate and precise that work could be. Whether I was stabilizing brittle 19th-century documents or rehousing delicate clippings from the El Paso Times, I had to assess each item's needs individually. I began to develop an intuitive sense for the materials, recognizing signs of acid damage, oxidation from fasteners, or folds that could lead to tearing. I also learned how to incorporate this physical care into the intellectual process of arrangement and description. My experience with metadata creation, including Dublin Core, allowed me to describe resources clearly and make them accessible for future use. What surprised me most was how much I enjoyed writing each of the finding aids. I discovered that descriptive writing for archival materials is just as creative and meaningful as storytelling because it requires thought, care, and a deep understanding of the collection’s historical context. The surprise wasn’t that I enjoyed the work; it was that I found a new way to express myself through it. I now understand how description is preservation in its own right.

There were definitely challenges along the way, but each one taught me something valuable. Some folders arrived in poor condition with torn pages, broken bindings, mislabeled contents, or rusted metal fasteners embedded in the paper. At first, I was nervous handling fragile items, but as I gained experience, I became more confident in assessing preservation needs and responding appropriately. I learned to flag items for conservation, I took before, during, and after photographs of vulnerable documents for recordkeeping, and I documented my decisions for continuity in future processing. Another challenge was time management. Some tasks, like folder-level inventory or photo documentation, took much longer than expected. I had to learn how to balance thoroughness with efficiency, especially when juggling multiple goals like preservation, description, and finding aid creation. But I learned to adapt and make thoughtful decisions, trusting my growing instincts and training. The experience helped me become more organized, more focused, and more flexible in my thinking. Every challenge became a building block that made me a stronger future archivist.

On the fun side, I absolutely loved the detective work involved in preservation. Piecing together torn documents, deciphering faded handwriting, and investigating the historical context behind each name or location gave me a deeper appreciation for archival research. I found joy in unexpected places, like discovering Captain Dolan’s comic strip or uncovering the story of a forgotten arrest documented in the 1870s. I also loved creating my practicum blog, which allowed me to reflect on my process and share the work with a broader audience. It gave me a platform to document my progress, express my passion, and help demystify archival practices for others. If I were in charge of a site like this, I would incorporate even more public engagement tools, like interactive exhibits, digital storytelling kiosks, or QR codes in the reading room that connect users to curated online collections. I’d also propose workshops or community archiving days to bring the public into the process and build partnerships with local organizations. Archives shouldn’t be hidden; they should be shared. This practicum taught me how to bridge that gap; the only issue with all of these ideas is, of course, the budget. 

I can absolutely see myself in a position like this in the future. Working with historical materials, telling stories through metadata, and preserving the past through careful stewardship align with my personal and professional goals. I thrive in environments where I can be both detail-oriented and creative, and archival work provides the perfect balance. I felt a genuine sense of purpose every day I came in, knowing that even the smallest preservation action had long-term meaning. If I could improve the site, I would advocate for more staffing or volunteer involvement to tackle backlog materials and speed up digitization. I would also invest in software that supports collaborative metadata creation and resource sharing across regional archives. The Border Heritage Center is a vital resource for El Paso and the greater Southwest, and it deserves the tools and support to shine even brighter. I’m proud of the work I contributed, and I hope it adds lasting value to the collections. Most of all, I’m thankful for the mentorship I received from Mrs. Claudia Romero, who guided me with encouragement and expertise every step of the way.

Looking back over the past weeks, I’m truly proud of everything I’ve accomplished. I preserved and processed materials that hadn’t been touched in years, I described and documented fragile items with historical value, and I expanded my professional skill set beyond what I expected. I strengthened my understanding of metadata frameworks, gained practical preservation skills, and built confidence in my ability to work in a real-world archival environment. More than that, I developed a deep love for archival storytelling and the act of making the past come alive through arrangement, description, and care. This practicum wasn’t just an internship; it was a formative chapter in my archival journey. It confirmed for me that this field is where I belong, and it inspired new ideas for how I can contribute in the future. Though my time at the Border Heritage Center is ending, the knowledge and experiences I’ve gained here will stay with me for the rest of my career. I’m so grateful for this opportunity and for every dusty folder that helped lead me here.