by Sunnie Redhouse
Daily Lobo
About 400 American Indian high school students throughout New Mexico took part in UNM's American Indian Day in hopes of becoming future Lobos.
Seniors from 32 schools attended the event to learn the ins and outs of college life from UNM's Recruitment Services and American Indian Student Services.
Pam Agoyo, director of American Indian Student Services, said UNM has a rich American Indian community but is still looking to bring more to campus.
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"We're looking to attract future UNM freshmen," she said.
The students were directed to the SUB for a workshop session where they filled out admission and financial aid applications and were given scholarship information.
"Native Americans tend to drag their feet when it comes to applying," Agoyo said. "We're giving them a head start."
With the help of about 100 staff and student volunteers, UNM's Recruitment Services collaborated with American Indian Student Services to help students fill out the admissions application and answer questions.
"We're really excited that UNM is their No. 1 choice," Agoyo said.
Corine Gonzales, UNM's Manager of Recruitment Services, said letters were sent to high schools in New Mexico and Arizona inviting seniors to learn about UNM.
"It always helps when the students set foot on campus," she said. "Our hopes are to prepare and assist them."
Gonzales said working with American Indian Student Services to encourage students to attend UNM made the students more at ease.
"It shows students there is a home away from home," she said. "It helps them visualize themselves on campus."
After a 15-minute break, students attended a general assembly in the SUB Ballroom, where they listened to guest speakers. Semana Seukteoma, a UNM freshman and Regents' Scholar, was the keynote speaker.
She said being a role model was meaningful because some students often feel they don't belong in a college atmosphere.
"I want to show them they can make it here," she said. "I wanted to show them that Native American students can be successful - that we have a place here at UNM."
To test students' knowledge about UNM and application deadlines, volunteers put together a trivia game, the Lobo Smarts Game.
"We wanted to make the day serious yet light and easy," Agoyo said. "That's what college is all about."
Students split into two teams. The chosen team leader answered the questions about organizations and resources available at UNM. The winning team was given candy.
High school teachers and counselors accompanied students during the day.
Natalie Martinez, a social sciences teacher at Independence High School in Rio Rancho, said she found the interaction between the high school students and college students beneficial.
"They're seeing their older role models being successful in college," she said. "It's important for them to have the exposure."
Brandon Sam, UNM student and American Indian Services volunteer, said he enjoyed giving the students a heads up on college life and continuing their education.
"I just want to help my Native American people," he said. "I want to help the Native American students."
Agoyo said she hoped students left UNM with some connection, either with other students or the UNM community.
Clay Geronimo, a senior at Mescalero High School, said before he attended the event, he was unsure about what he would study in college. By the end of the day, he had a better sense of direction, he said.
"I came here not knowing a major and now I've found one that interests me," he said, "As a kid, I used to watch the Lobos and always knew I wanted to go to school at UNM."
