UNM: You get out of it, what you put in

UNM: You get out of it, what you put in

Editor,

Monday's issue of the Daily Lobo had a letter to the editor that greatly misjudged UNM. Students are not on the bottom of the totem poll, but if you feel like you are then do something about other than whining. Our bookstore and campus life are overpriced compared to their respective industries, but UNM is a nonprofit entity and as such will practice price gauging to stay afloat. Keep in mind that you determine where you shop.

Our advisors may not always point us in the right direction, but we are surrounded by free available resources. Take the responsibility to map out your own course study, use the UNM website as an advisor, ask your professors and fellow students, and recheck it every semester because the evolution of academics is constant. UNM, like any other college, requires some hoops for you to jump through. If it was painless, then everyone would be here. This is a time to prove something to yourself.

This is not high school, and you don't need parents or advisors to hold your hand. Only you can take the responsibility to make sure you get the most out of UNM. So, if you want to feel more like a name and less like a number, then be proactive. Don't sit in the very back of a classroom just so you can doze off or text all class. Instead, realize that you are paying big bucks just to be in the room, so ask questions, make comments, and give it your best. You don't need to go to a small school just to feel recognized. If you take this advice, you'll find that teachers will know your name and take the time to give you extra attention.

Holly Smothers

UNM Grad Student/Assistant