Derek McDonald on coming to UNM in the fall.
Daily Lobo: What is the number one reason you chose UNM?
Derek McDonald: Being close to home. That's been the best decision for me.
DL: Many students are guided by the financial factor. Are you on scholarship?
DM: Yes, a partial track and field scholarship.
DL: What is your intended major?
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DM: I'm undecided right now. I think that the first couple years of college are to figure out what everything's about.
DL: What do you foresee as the biggest obstacle for you as a college student?
DM: The transition from being a big bad senior to a little freshman again.
DL: Overall, what did you think of the admissions process?
DM: It was pretty easy. Orientation was pretty cool and it was neat hanging out with my peers.
DL: Did orientation encourage you to become involved in anything here on campus?
DM: I'm in the decathlon, so that takes up pretty much all of my time, but I haven't really decided.
DL: What about your friends? Are they coming to UNM?
DM: Pretty much all my close friends are. I'd say 90 percent of my high school class at Eldorado is coming here.
DL: What are your living plans for college? Do you plan to live in the residence halls?
DM: I'm living at home this year.
DL: Are you employed?
DM: No. I really don't have time, and it's pretty cool because my parents don't pressure me into getting a job. They just want me to focus on track.
DL: If you could choose three words to describe yourself, what would they be?
DM: Athletic, outgoing, and funny.
DL: What's the best piece of advice you've been given and would like to pass on to others?
DM: I don't know that I've ever been given good advice. Um, use protection?
DL: What do you hope to be doing in 10 years?
DM: I have absolutely no idea! No idea!
DL: What aspect of college are you most excited about?
DM: I'd say the parties, and that's mainly it.
DL: How do you believe being a freshman in college will compare to being a freshman in high school?
DM: I think the transition will be much easier because hopefully people are more mature. I hang out with a lot of people who already go to UNM.
- Jean Leger
