New Mexico State University

Date: Sep 22 2008
Major: Other (This Major's Salary over time)
I'm double majoring in Wildlife Conservation Ecology and Creative Writing with an Emphasis in Poetry, but I've changed my majors multiple times and therefore have had a wide-range of experiences at this university. I moved out here all the way from Houston, Texas, attracted to the creative writing program (which is excellent, but struggling in need of more undergraduate students—check it out, many of the instructors are pretty successful writers and there are free readings every month from famous writers who visit the campus to share their works and experiences—it's awesome!), and the new desert environment. Faculty, particularly the teachers and advisers (many who double as teachers) are friendly, eager to help, and to share their advice and experiences. I've not yet been advised in Wildlife because I just tacked on that major (but I work in the department and I know all of them well, and they are all great people and intimidatingly knowledgeable and experienced in their field), but in the Writing department every time I go in to see an adviser, I feel like I'm the only student he or she is focused on. They are knowledgeable and openly opinionated (but in a good way), which I highly respect and require for success in my education. Classes are challenging and fun, and teachers are always more than willing to talk after class about anything—whether it's curriculum-related or just your favorite books.

This is not a "Mexican and Red-Neck" school. Of course there are many Hispanics here—it's freaking NEW MEXICO! Don't come here if you're stuck in the dark ages and afraid of mingling with other cultures and ethnicities. I'm white as a lily and have made countless friends since I arrived two years ago. Now, morale is a little low among people of Las Cruces; the reason is this: many of the students and residents here have never lived anywhere else, and are dying to move away. But for a new-comer to the area, the mountains and valleys, and all of the hiking and camping grounds, really do make New Mexico the "land of enchantment." And yes, there are many people of the ranching-type here; the school specializes in AGRICULTURE, for crying out loud! If your love is music, or painting, and nothing else, go to a school which specializes in YOUR #1 interest! But for writing, and for natural resource management related fields, I proudly vouch for this university.

My only negative comment concerns the Financial department. Avoid it like the plague. The people in their are grumpy, careless, and will treat you like a number. An ugly number, at that. Get around having to go there too often by doing your own research, staying knowledgeable about your own finances, and getting your FAFSA done on time. Oh, and the city is a little shady. Like at any university, there are occasional instances of rape and robbery, though the police and campus response is quick and thorough. Students and faculty have even gotten together and created a program called "Aggie Safe Walk." If you have night classes, all you have to do, if you feel unsafe walking around campus, is call a number and someone will walk with you, for free. I'm a pretty tiny, cautious woman, and I have yet to feel that my life was in danger.

This is not a "party campus," though there are frequently really good events, even free concerts, but don't come here if all you want to do is drink and f*** around. Otherwise, I'll say it again, this university is excellent, for the serious student. I've learned so much! There's a rumor that if NMSU was not classified as a state university, it would be Ivy League. I'd believe it in a heartbeat. In fact, I'm trying to transfer into Harvard next year, because the courses I have taken here and the people I have met have given me the confidence to go for it. But even if I don't make it into a real Ivy League, I will have no qualms about finishing out my degree at NMSU—the next best thing.