University classes get started

STAFF WRITER

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Excitement and memories abound for Eastern New Mexico University students beginning their school year.

Classes for the university kicked off on Tuesday.

Biology student Blanca Alexander said she is excited to start her last semester at ENMU but will miss her supportive biology professors after

Staff photo:

Kurt Munz-Raper

Eastern New Mexico University upperclassmen Colton Stewart, left, and Mason Thomas, who is graduating in May, strike up a conversation on the first official day of classes Tuesday morning.

graduation.

“They focus on the students; they really drill it (the information) so you know it,” said Alexander, adding that it’s nice to get back into the school routine.

Graduating senior and secondary education major Mason Thomas and biology major Colton Stewart, a junior, both said they are excited for what the school year brings.

“I worked all summer, and it’s nice to relax and kick back,” said Stewart.

Stewart added that while it’s nice to start school, he is looking at having a busy semester.

“It’s gonna be a stressful semester,” said Stewart. “I’m taking 17 credit hours, but you gotta do what you gotta do.”

Thomas said at this point, it is a matter of finishing up classes, adding that he is trying to decide between joining the Marines or teaching secondary education.

“(People from the) Marine Corps are coming down from Texas,” said Thomas. “I’m talking to them tomorrow.”

Both Stewart and Thomas said joining the Kappa Sigma fraternity was a great choice for their social experiences.

“College is hard when you’re by yourself,” said Thomas, “but it’s way easier with 40 guys who’ve got your back.”

Stewart said Thomas approached him to join Kappa Sigma.

“Mason came up to me and said ‘Hey, why are you eating by yourself?’,” said Stewart. “It may be a small school, but that’s what makes it a great school. You get to meet new people. It’s not gonna be an enjoyable experience (by yourself). You need to find something to do. If I didn’t join the frat, I probably would have dropped out.”

“You can do Greek life, but it’s not for everybody,” Thomas added.

Senior and agricultural business major Caroline Rousculp said she loves returning back to school but added the anxieties that come with nearing graduation.

“You kinda realize you have to figure out the next chapter of your life,” said Rousculp, who is graduating in December next year.

Rousculp said students should take whatever opportunities they can get during their college career.

“Any internship, job — as stressful as they are, take them,” said Rousculp.

She added that she also enjoys the small community and that it will be the thing she misses the most.

“It’s a good little town,” said Rousculp. “You always know someone.”

“I’d honestly rather be here than at home,” said Junior animal and dairy science major Julia Montoya. “There’s a close-knit group of people. I just highly recommend Eastern, whether you are ready for college or not.”

Graduate student Janeesha Pleasant said she is finishing up her final year of graduate school.

“It challenges you to reach your full potential,” Pleasant said of being in graduate school.

Pleasant, who is currently the president of the Counseling Student Initiative on campus, said she will miss her professors and teaching students, as well as “the bonds you make with friends (and) the uplifting spirit of being a Greyhound.”

“Strive hard for what you want,” said Pleasant. “Make sure you do something that you love. Build connections, because they’re really gonna help you in the long run.”

ENMU President Steven Gamble said the first week of school and graduation week are his two favorite weeks during the year.

“It’s great to see the new freshman and transfer students coming in,” said Gamble, adding that it’s very bittersweet come graduation time.

“While it’s sad to see people I’ve known four to five years (leaving), it’s still good to see the happiness that they and they’re families have,” said Gamble. “At ENMU, we truly put the students first. Any conversation about favorite weeks are gonna center around the students — they’re arrival and they’re departure.”

“That’s what we’re here for, graduating students and sending them out with the tools they need,” he added.