I am originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico. I grew up hearing all about Eastern New Mexico University due to both my parents and my grandparents attending here for their college careers. My parents both graduated from ENMU and majored in theatre.

When I had reached my junior year of high school, I was hesitant about becoming a Greyhound. My older brother, Tim, was a student here. I worried that attending here would simply look like I was following in his footsteps. I ended up deciding that ENMU was the right fit after taking a campus tour and seeing the beauty this campus provides.

My first semester in Portales was amazing. During freshmen orientation I quickly found a community of people who would become lifelong friends. My instructors were all kind and caring. They all learned the names of myself and my classmates. We were not just numbers to them.

Eventually I had to start looking for a job. It did not take me long to find employment on campus. This was a blessing. On campus jobs are able to work around your schedule. I have had two different jobs at Eastern. Both employers made sure their employees knew that school comes first. All of the faculty believes in ENMU's motto of "Student Success".

I am finishing up my final year at Eastern. Looking back at my time here, I realize how much of it I have taken for granted. Not many schools can work this hard for you while offering such affordable rates. The students and teachers here are very friendly. The president of the University, Dr. Steven Gamble, makes a real effort to get to know each and every student by name.

My advice to you, reader, would be to enjoy these years. This life is too short to not appreciate what you are doing. Eastern is a place to discover yourself and to prepare for the future. Take advantage of that! Focusing on the negative will only lead to regret later on in life.