Let me introduce you to Logan, a freshman studying zoology here at WNMU. To him, the Gila National Forest is about a lot more than outdoor adventuring. Both, in and out of the classroom, students have the opportunity to make amazing discoveries, both, big and small. Tell us all about it, Logan.
– Thanks, Alex. Greetings, everyone. I’ve always had a fascination with nature and insects, so, I’ve decided to study zoology to become an entomologist. I love discovering the beauty of nature in small animals people might not notice. Now, I have the chance to continue exploring nature here at Western New Mexico University. Western New Mexico University offers the only zoology program in New Mexico. Students here have opportunities to conduct field research in the vast Gila National Forest. And we’re guided by our professors who not only share their knowledge but serve as mentors. In addition, our location allows us access to picturesque places to unwind in the surrounding area. I love venturing outdoors on nice days, taking stunning pictures of plants and animals to gaze into their world. It’s experiences like these, that will help humanity understand the need to protect and serve nature. I’m also extremely passionate about the climate, so it’s exciting and reassuring to see Western New Mexico University take steps to contribute to global change by reducing waste and their carbon footprint. Reusable meal containers and cups ensure less plastic is thrown away. And the campus doesn’t intrude upon the wildlife of the Gila National Forest, but rather, brings nature to us and allows us to live with it. Fully taking in nature at WNMU allows me to connect to my studies on a deeper level and to interact with those around me in a more positive light. One day, I shall use the skills I’ve learned at Western New Mexico University to help create a healthier world and to help serve the future of humanity, nature, and our survival. Helping future generations see as much or maybe even more beauty as you have in your life is one of the best marks you can make. Passing that wisdom and inspiration onto you, Alex.
– Thank you, Logan. Those are fantastic words of wisdom. We love seeing how WNMU is working so hard to be a good steward to the natural environment through its sustainability efforts and enforcing environmental awareness within the student body. It’s inspiring to see the University taking action towards a carbon neutral future. Thanks again, Logan.
To learn more about epic outdoor adventures, let’s meet Itzela, a kinesiology major with a minor in outdoor leadership. WNMU is well known as the University of EdVenture. And with so many on-campus resources, that foster outdoor experiences. It’s easy for students to take full advantage, especially with the Gila National Forest just minutes away. Itzela, tell us more.
– I appreciate it, Alex. Hey, everyone. One of the most important things to me during my college search was access to the outdoors in a smaller campus community. Western New Mexico University was easily the best fit with an average class size of about 18 students and its proximity to the Gila wilderness, the nation’s first designated wilderness area. Having the Gila and other public lands and trails so accessible from campus has benefited me greatly from my personal adventures and for my education. The outpost serves both as an outdoor rental shop and a classroom for my outdoor leadership minor. I’m able to rent free of charge all the gear I need to support my spontaneous trips into the Gila and bring peers out to experience places such as the Catwalk Recreation Area, the Gila Cliff Dwellings National Monument, and the area’s many hot springs and summits. My kinesiology classes utilize our location next to the Gila for our education by giving us the opportunity to volunteer for one of the hardest bike races in North America toward the Gila. WNMU understands a college education is more than just classroom lectures. It provides experiences beyond traditional learning styles. And although it’s clear that I love my adventures off campus, I’ve really enjoyed my time living on campus. It’s allowed me to meet new people, walk to every class, and stay connected with activities and events. My college experience at WMU has been everything I hoped for and more. I’ve always loved the outdoors and never knew it could be more than a hobby. But WMU has shown me that I can take all the knowledge I’ve gained here outside the classroom and apply it to practical situations in the real world. Always stay ready for new adventures. Back to you, Alex.
– That’s just awesome, Itzela. It’s so cool to see that a college education can be more than just sitting in a classroom. At WNMU, students are encouraged to explore the great outdoors and experience epic adventures in the beautiful national forest. Thank you for sharing your incredible adventures, Itzela. That was awesome.
Say hello to Ethan who recently completed the welding technology program. His path demonstrates a unique side of WNMU where education is about more than degrees. It’s about leaving with a skill that translates into a meaningful career path. Tell us all about your journey, Ethan. Take it away.
– Hey, thanks Alex. Growing up, I never knew exactly what I wanted to do after high school. But I’ve always been a go-getter. I knew I needed to continue my education to be successful in today’s environment, but I wasn’t sure a traditional college experience was for me. I wanted to study something I could use anywhere I go no matter what happens in life. Then I discovered Western New Mexico University. I found my path in the workforce development program right here where I earned my associate’s degree in welding. In just my first semester of the program, I got hands-on shop experience. I was able to use multiple welding processes, make repairs on heavy equipment, cut metal, and I learned how to get certified through the American Welding Society. This real world experience prepared me and my peers to earn our certifications and to get great paying jobs right outta school. I landed a job with a local construction company while I work alongside other WNMU graduates. Attending the welding program here was pivotal in my journey to success. Through comprehensive coursework and hands-on in-shop training, I honed my skills and gained industry relevant knowledge. Moreover, my professor’s expertise in the industry helped me to get certified and prepared me to graduate and to secure a rewarding welding career. Western New Mexico University knows the importance of a well-trained and knowledgeable workforce. They invest in our success in the shop to ensure we thrive in our careers. After this job, I plan on buying my own welding equipment, so eventually I could start my own welding business. But for now, back to you, Alex.
– Awesome, Ethan. It’s great to know that WNMU offers students multiple paths to success. Because the traditional college route isn’t for everyone. These accelerated workforce training programs clearly have WNMU graduates jumping right into the workforce. Best of luck with the welding business, Ethan. Thanks again.
Here with us now is WNMU alumni, Blanca, who grew up right here in Silver City. Her story represents that of so many college students who are working to chase their dreams while balancing work and raising a family. With support from WNMU, she was able to accomplish that and so much more. Take it away, Blanca.
– Hi, Alex. Thank you for that warm introduction. Hello, everyone. Although I grew up near WNMU, I never saw college as an option in my life. However, after becoming a parent, I realized I needed to pursue higher education in order to provide better opportunities for both myself and my daughter. I made the decision to change the narrative of my family, and Western New Mexico University made that possible. As I navigated the college landscape, I felt a strong sense of community and support by the university’s staff and professors. WNMU offered the ability to balance parenting while being a student. Thanks to the WNMU Child Development Center, I was able to have my four month old daughter on campus with me. She has been on a college campus most of her life and is now in college herself. I was fortunate to have a very personalized college experience. My professors encouraged me and supported me every step of the way. They saw the potential in me that I couldn’t see in myself. And honestly, this changed my life. Because of WNMU, I grew academically, professionally and personally. What makes WNMU truly unique is the way it embraces diverse students like me. Whether you’re a parent, a non-traditional, or a first generation student, WNMU provides an inclusive environment. It set me on a path to pursue my master’s degree in educational and counseling psychology and eventually led to the completion of my PhD in counseling psychology last year. Attending Western New Mexico University had a significant impact on my life in various ways. Since graduating, I have made pursuing higher education a central focus in my life. My WNMU degrees opened doors for me that I never imagined were possible. I will always value the education and the relationships I gained here. Back to you, Alex.
– Thank you for sharing your story, Blanca. WNMU really opened doors and created opportunities for you to continue down an impressive path. With resources like the Childhood Development Center located on campus, parents don’t have to choose between childcare options and attending class. Thanks again, Blanca.
Okay, everyone. Let’s meet Brooke, a senior studying interdisciplinary studies with concentrations in English and psychology. But Brooke excels in more than just the classroom. She’s also a mustang athlete as a member of the women’s basketball team. There’s no one better to tell us all about balancing academics and the rigors of athletics. The floor is all yours, Brooke. Take it away.
– Thanks for the assist, Alex. Hi, everyone. As a member of the WNMU women’s basketball team and a transfer student, my story’s a little bit different. After looking for a new place to call home after my sophomore year, I knew Western New Mexico University had the right resources to help me achieve my academic goals, challenge me on the court and make me an even better person. Since stepping foot on the WNU campus, it immediately felt like a place that I could blossom. The close-knit community allows me to get out of my comfort zone in for bonds with my teammates as well as other athletes on campus who understand the complexities of my day-to-day lives. Because of the designated study hall hours, student athletes must complete each week. I’m able to balance my course load with two to three workouts a day to get better at my craft. It’s a great feeling to be understood as a student athlete and know that the community around you is there to cheer you on in and outside of your sport. With clubs like Student Life, Black Student Union and Housing, there are many events happening on campus. Wing Wednesdays, movie nights, tailgates, and new album listening parties all get students involved and create a home-like environment. I enjoy attending these events with my teammates and making the most of our free time away from fulfilling our athlete duties. Western New Mexico University has accelerated my college experience beyond measure. I feel fully secure as a student athlete to work towards my degree and enjoy playing the game I’ve loved playing since I was seven. That’s my WNWU story. The ball’s in your court now, Alex.
– Nice pass, Brooke. WNMU is really giving you a run for your money in both athletics and academics. But we can tell you’re up for a good challenge. It sounds like Mustang Athletics have an incredible support system where you feel accepted and heard. And we know that type of camaraderie is life changing. Thanks so much, Brooke.
It’s time to meet Antonio, a freshman studying music and a member of Mariachi Plata de WNMU, the state’s premier and only competitive university mariachi group. He can’t wait to tell us all about his passion for music and the scholarship he received that made it all possible. Antonio, the stage is yours.
– Thanks, Alex. In middle school, I fell in love with music. Since then, I’ve had a strong desire to learn more. Although I didn’t know what genre I wanted to pursue, I soon found my true passion, mariachi. And mariachi is one of the biggest reasons why I chose Western New Mexico University. Mariachi Plata de WNMU came to my high school and I grew to admire them and I wanted to be a part of it. Mariachi Plata has become very dear to my heart. They made me feel welcome when I first joined, and as time passes, I feel like I get closer and closer to my band mates. Mariachi Plata is a second family to me. And we get a lot of respect when we play for school events like the tailgated football games. The University’s investment in our group tells me that WNMU takes its role as a Hispanic serving institution seriously. I’m also part of M.E.Ch.A., a student group that fights for equal educational rights for all. We are one of the oldest organizations at WNMU and we are trying to become more known around campus. One of the biggest reasons I can attend WNMU is the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship, which offers free tuition to New Mexico residents making college accessible for first generation college students like me. I feel lucky to have the Opportunity Scholarship, which, along with financial aid, allows me to attend WNMU with no debt. This relieves a great deal of stress for me and my family, allowing me to enjoy my education and pursue my passion for music. Mariachi is a big part of my life and I’ve been blessed with some amazing opportunities like recently, performing on stage at the world renowned Santa Fe Opera House. Well, that’s it for me. I hope to see you in the audience soon, Alex.
– Thanks for the invite, Antonio. WNMU really allows you to be an ambassador for the university on stages all over the world. And with the New Mexico Opportunity Scholarship, you can do it all while earning a debt-free education. What an amazing opportunity for New Mexico residents. Congrats, Antonio.
Let’s meet Rorie, a senior in the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business at USG. USG is filled with students who are not only passionate about their education, but are also focused on preparing for great careers. Many students combine their studies with involvement in student organizations and by working on campus. Tell us more, Rorie.
– Thank you, Alex. Hi, everyone. When I graduated high school, I wasn’t sure what I wanted to study, so I started taking classes at my local community college. While I was there, I found a natural calling for business. Now I’m studying at University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business, which is one of the top 20 business schools in the country. Being able to take the same classes as my peers in College Park at the Universities at Shady Grove campus has been life changing. With USG being a smaller campus, I’ve been able to make connections with students and staff who support me and have helped me to be involved with several organizations. I’ve become president of the Business Management Association and the 9T Podcast. I’ve also become the chair of the Dean Student Advisory Council. In these positions, I’ve been able to host several successful events like the Business Management Association’s end of year picnic, Spirit Week, and a midterm study session. I’ve also been able to start new programs such as the Student Mentorship Program through the Dean Student Advisory Council. For me, being able to attend the University of Maryland’s Smith School of Business at Shady Grove has been a great experience. Since starting here, I’ve been able to get a job on campus and an internship with the United States Peace Corps. After I graduate, I plan to continue working in the federal space and do what I can to serve my country from an office. That’s all for me, thank you for listening. Back to you, Alex.
– Great job, Rorie. Keep up the good work both in school and on the job. We have no doubt you’re gonna be an asset to any organization once you have that diploma in hand from the University of Maryland Smith School, all while studying on the USG campus, unbelievable.
Say hello to Millena, a UMBC senior on the USG campus. She is a dual psychology and social work major who’s gotten super involved in student life at USG and has jumpstarted her career through an exciting on-the-job field placement opportunity. Millena, the floor is all yours, please take it away.
– Thanks for that introduction, Alex. Hi everyone. My journey to USG began after I earned my associate’s degree from Montgomery College. I realized attending a state college and living in the dorms wasn’t for me due to the cost, so I looked into my options through UMBC at the USG campus. Double majoring in social work and psychology was an easy decision. Being close to home, I could take the bus or drive, and best of all, I doubled my chances of qualifying and securing scholarships from both UMBC and the Universities at Shady Grove. In the fall, there is a big event called USG Fest where students learn about clubs, organizations, and other services here on campus, and there are other events like the Student Appreciation Carnival in the spring, along with other opportunities to round out student experiences at USG. During my junior year, I was part of a prestigious fellowship program. I worked in DC for a summer at Mary’s Center where healthcare, education, and social services are provided to the public. I was also a student ambassador on campus and provided tours to prospective students and their families. The psychology program at UMBC has taught me so much about how our brains work and the social work program is excellent too. As part of my experience, I was matched with an agency for my social work field placement. My professors and field advisor prepared me to be successful in my internship and after just six months, I was hired and still work there as an activity leader for older adults with Alzheimer’s. Whichever university or a major you transfer into at USG, I promise you’ll not miss out on the college experience, the student life, or top-notch faculty, and don’t forget what I said, scholarships, scholarships, scholarships. Well, that’s my USG story, back to you, Alex.
– Fantastic, Millena. It’s so clear that you have truly figured out all of the value added benefits for students who chose to attend the Universities at Shady Grove Campus. All the best to you as you get ready to launch your career with the benefits of your dual degree from UMBC.
Let’s meet Patrick, a junior in the University of Maryland Communication Program at USG. After starting out at community college, he needed to decide where he would go next for his bachelor’s degree, but Patrick didn’t have to look far for testimonials. He had three right at home, take it away, Patrick.
– Nice introduction, thanks, Alex. Growing up to be honest, colleges were of no interest to me, especially after seeing the enormous cost, but as I got older, I started to see how earning a college degree could provide a better future, so I decided to first go to Montgomery College, a fantastic two year local community college since everyone in my family had graduated from there. My sister and my time in the Southern Management Leadership Program at Montgomery College really helped me to see how I can go to the University of Maryland more affordably and closer to home by pursuing my bachelor’s degree program on the Universities at Shady Grove campus. Once I stepped on campus, I knew it was the best choice I could have ever made. I guess you could say I’m kind of a USU legacy student. All three of my siblings graduated from their universities by completing their studies at USG. It was my sister Millicent who really pushed me not only going to University of Maryland, but especially into their communication program at USG. In high school, I only considered college education if I could play collegiate soccer, but like many others, the pandemic limited my opportunities to play. This affected me deeply, but through faith and family, I found a team called Classic Group that really supported me and helped me flourish. Once I had soccer in the picture, I was much more willing to pursue my education. Going forward, I plan to become more involved at USG, continue to play soccer for my current club, World Class Premier, and share what God has done in my life. Despite what I was thinking back when I graduated high school, here I am thriving as a University of Maryland student at the USG campus. That’s a bit about me, back to you, Alex.
– Amazing, a sort of unofficial USG legacy student following in the successful footsteps of his three siblings, all earning their university degree while doing so conveniently and affordably right here on the USG campus. What a great story of carrying on a great family tradition and preparing for a great future as a student on the USG campus. Thanks, Patrick.
Meet Melina, she’s a recent graduate and actually one of the first bio computational engineering graduates ever from the University of Maryland’s highly ranked Clark School of Engineering at USG. It’s safe to say that Melina probably had one of the most trusted recruiters she could ever have as she found her way to the USG campus. Please share your wonderful story, Melina, take it away.
– Thank you, Alex. Hi everyone. I was born and raised in Paris, but things took a turn in 2017 when my family and I moved to Maryland. It was a big change, especially since I didn’t know any English. I went straight to high school while my sister took English classes at our local community college before transferring to the Universities at Shady Grove. After telling me how small the classes were and how much the professors cared about the students, I was convinced to join her. I managed to graduate with my associate’s degree from my community college in just a year, and then joined her at USG where I was part of the first five students to join the University of Maryland’s Bio Computational engineering program, which is a mix of bioengineering and computer science. At USG, you can have a job while you study, which is a game changer. Thanks to everything we learned about leadership at USG, my sister and I open our own social media advertising agency that we ran while being full-time students. We have now each worked with over a thousand different companies like Uber Eats, Bumble, Lululemon, and even Target. A common misconception about small commuter schools is that there are no social events or clubs, but I disagree. There’s so many clubs you can join or even start your own. I started the stock market club and an artificial intelligence club. I still wanted to be more involved, so I became the co-president of the student council and a member of the USG Board of Advisors. Last May, I graduated with a degree in bio computational engineering from the University of Maryland’s Clark School of Engineering, a program that is only offered at USG. I am profoundly grateful for all the knowledge and experience that I gained both from my university program and USG. That’s all for me, back to you, Alex.
– Great job, Melina, and given the way your social media advertising business has already taken off, I should add great job to both you, Melina, and your trailblazing sister Camilla who helped PA the way for you to make the decision to pursue your bachelor’s degree as a student right here on the USG campus. Thank you for sharing that awesome story.