Tuesday, October 15, 2013

New Mexico State University

Vol. 122 No. 8 | nmsuroundup.com

$92,271,701

Loans

Scholarships

Work Study

Grants

Graduate Assistantships $2,355,446

$59,340,151

$35,090,173

$15,523,365

$204,580,836

Student debt devastates students

Total:Source: Offi ce of Financial Aid, offi ce of Business & Finance

by Anthony AlbidrezSta� Writer

After a series of drop-outs, Doña Ana Community College student Marissa Salaiz,

freshman criminal justice major, continues to the battle to repair her damaged GPA without fed-eral aid.

Salaiz plowed through her first semester of college in August 2011 with hope, determination and excitement, but she found herself with multiple issues: health, relationships and finan-cial. She quit going to class and ignored her online courses. An

abusive, love-crazed boyfriend added to her ultimate decision to give up on her dreams.

In 2012, Salaiz decided a degree in criminal justice would be beneficial. She enrolled at Vista College and after filing for financial aid, she was granted the money back.

After a huge battle with her boyfriend and his imprisonment, Salaiz became depressed. She then dropped out from Vista College.

Now a DACC student for the second time, Salaiz will not be granted federal aid until she increases her GPA.

Salaiz said she believes she is

back on track.“I am content. I have about

$12,000 in student debt, but I look forward to eliminating that with a successful future,” Salaiz said. “You have to learn how valu-able an education is these days.”

Salaiz’s student-debt story is one of millions in the United States, and New Mexico State University students are realizing one of the stresses that come with higher education: money.

According to the Office of Financial Aid and the Office of Business & Finance, NMSU students took out $92,271,701 in student loans in 2012.

An institutional analysis for the

academic year of 2013 is under-way.

According to Democracy Now, student loan debt in the U.S. is at about $1 trillion, which is still rising over the past decade.

Some students face extreme debt after graduation, so there are some politicians fighting for students to graduate debt free.

Democracy Now reports “a proposal by Democratic Sena-tor Elizabeth Warren to lower student loan interest rates to 0.75 — the same rate given to big banks on government loans — failed to pass recently.”

Higher education is expensive, and for some students debt is

unavoidable. Some students’ par-ents do not make enough money to pay for college out of pocket, and some do not qualify for grants offered by the government because their parents make too much money for free government assistance, which leads to federal loans to pay for college.

“I don’t see why we have to pay $40,000 to learn from someone else and pay $300 per textbook for paragraph eight on page 100,” Salaiz said. “NMSU is a great investment, and hopefully most of us find the career of our dreams to pay the Federal Government back.”

Tuesday, October 15, 2013

New Mexico State University

Vol. 122 No. 8 | nmsuroundup.com

$92,271,701

Loans

Scholarships

Work Study

Grants

Graduate Assistantships $2,355,446

$59,340,151

$35,090,173

$15,523,365

$204,580,836

Student debt devastates students

Total:Source: Offi ce of Financial Aid, offi ce of Business & Finance

by Anthony AlbidrezSta� Writer

After a series of drop-outs, Doña Ana Community College student Marissa Salaiz,

freshman criminal justice major, continues to the battle to repair her damaged GPA without fed-eral aid.

Salaiz plowed through her first semester of college in August 2011 with hope, determination and excitement, but she found herself with multiple issues: health, relationships and finan-cial. She quit going to class and ignored her online courses. An

abusive, love-crazed boyfriend added to her ultimate decision to give up on her dreams.

In 2012, Salaiz decided a degree in criminal justice would be beneficial. She enrolled at Vista College and after filing for financial aid, she was granted the money back.

After a huge battle with her boyfriend and his imprisonment, Salaiz became depressed. She then dropped out from Vista College.

Now a DACC student for the second time, Salaiz will not be granted federal aid until she increases her GPA.

Salaiz said she believes she is

back on track.“I am content. I have about

$12,000 in student debt, but I look forward to eliminating that with a successful future,” Salaiz said. “You have to learn how valu-able an education is these days.”

Salaiz’s student-debt story is one of millions in the United States, and New Mexico State University students are realizing one of the stresses that come with higher education: money.

According to the Office of Financial Aid and the Office of Business & Finance, NMSU students took out $92,271,701 in student loans in 2012.

An institutional analysis for the

academic year of 2013 is under-way.

According to Democracy Now, student loan debt in the U.S. is at about $1 trillion, which is still rising over the past decade.

Some students face extreme debt after graduation, so there are some politicians fighting for students to graduate debt free.

Democracy Now reports “a proposal by Democratic Sena-tor Elizabeth Warren to lower student loan interest rates to 0.75 — the same rate given to big banks on government loans — failed to pass recently.”

Higher education is expensive, and for some students debt is

unavoidable. Some students’ par-ents do not make enough money to pay for college out of pocket, and some do not qualify for grants offered by the government because their parents make too much money for free government assistance, which leads to federal loans to pay for college.

“I don’t see why we have to pay $40,000 to learn from someone else and pay $300 per textbook for paragraph eight on page 100,” Salaiz said. “NMSU is a great investment, and hopefully most of us find the career of our dreams to pay the Federal Government back.”

Jobs of the Future Enough is Enough Survivor Scholarship Going GlobalForbes ranks best and worst ca-reers of 2013

How stress can affect the average student for the worst

Why one graduate student contin-ues to raise funds for a cause

Players achieve on and off the court for the NMSU tennis team

INSIDE NEWS INSIDE OPINION INSIDE CULTURE INSIDE SPORTS

Graduates getBAMBOOZLE

D $$$

October, 15 2013 2

Graduation

Fall

201

3

NMSU Alumni Relations OfficeBalfour

NMSU Barnes and Noble BookstoreNMSU Career Services

Liberty Mutual InsuranceNMSU Registrar

Inside the Old Bookstoreat Corbett Center

Wednesday, October 169:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.Thursday, October 17

*If you are not able to attend Graduation Fair, you can purchase your cap, gown, and tassel through the NMSU Bookstore by calling 575-646-4700. Purchase your cap, gown, and

tassel on October 16th & 17th and receive a 10% discount. Cap and gown can be purchased up to graduation with advance order.

* Order your cap, gown, tassel & receive a 10% discount both days

* Purchase announcements

* Purchase NMSU Official Ring

* Purchase your diploma frame

* Reserve your seat for commencement

* Take your photo with Pistol Pete from 12p.m. to 2p.m. both days

* Register for prizes

* and much, much more

To assist in processing, please make sure your payment for any purchases is in the form of all cash,all check or all credit card.

(no split payments)

News Briefs

Political unrest growsover Syria

According to cnn.com, the Obama administration is poised to make a breakthrough with Syria. CNN reports President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin have discussed matters regarding chemical weapons and possible military response.

Meeting at the G20 summit, Presi-dent Obama and President Putin were seen discussing at length regard-ing the current state of Syria.

While Obama is still pressing at-tacking Syria due to the use of inter-nationally banned chemical weapons, the meeting with Putin is an attempt to do so without losing any political allegiance.

While most the Ameri-can public is hoping for a diplomatic solution to the current violence occurring in Syria, the meetings of President Putin and President Obama may lead to a joint diplomatic solution.

While the civil unrest in Syria con-tinues to grow, democratic procedure in America is halting any immediate response.

U.S News

Painting by Van Goghdiscovered and revealed

The Van Gogh Museum in Am-sterdam revealed a forgotten work by Vincent Van Gogh Monday, accord-ing to cnn.com.

CNN reports that after 120 years of his death, the work was discov-ered. The landscape is titled “Sunset at Montmajour” where Van Gogh painted the vicinity of Arles south of France.

In a statement, the museum’s di-rector Axel Ruger said, “a discovery of this magnitude has never before occurred in the history of the Van Gogh Museum.”

Ruger said the painting is attributed to Van Gogh for his use of style with paint and technique.

The exhibit “Van Gogh at Work” will showcase the new piece starting Sept. 24 in Amsterdam, according to cnn.com

World News

Fallen � re� ghter foundThe week-long missing firefighter,

Token Adams, was found dead in Northern New Mexico Friday by search and rescue crews after what appears to have been an ATV crash, according to kob.com.

In the attempt to find Adams, hundreds of volunteers, fellow co-workers, search teams and Air Patrol scoured a 50-square mile ra-dius of mesas and steep canyons.

Kob.com reported that Adams had worked for the Santa Fe National Forest for 18 months, when he went out on a call of smoke reported in the Jemez Springs area.

Services for the 41-year-old fallen engine captain are scheduled for Albuquerque on Thursday at the Calvary Chapel. Adam leaves behind a pregnant wife and son.

N.M. News

Submission PolicyThe Round Up welcomes submissions for publication. Submissions can be dropped o� , faxed or emailed. Submis-sions become property of The Round Up and will not be returned. The Round Up reserves the right to edit articles and cannot guarantee publication.

Advertising PolicyThe Round Up welcomes paid advertise-ments for legal products and services. The Round Up does not accept ads deemed discriminatory by the edi-tor. Any advertisement that might be confused with editorial content must be clearly labeled (paid advertisement.) Po-sitions of ads cannot be guaranteed. The Round Up reserves the right to refuse the publication of any advertisement.

About UsThe Round Up is published during the academic year by the students for the university community. Corrections of the print edition will be made on www.nmsuroundup.com. Editorial content of the newspaper is independent of adver-tising content. Opinions expressed in The Round Up are not necessarily those of the sta� , New Mexico State University or the Associated Students of NMSU.

Box 3004, Dept. CCNew Mexico State UniversityLas Cruces, New Mexico 88003Phone: 575-646-6397; Fax 575-646-5557

All sta� writers, Executive News Producers and editor can be reached at truprint@nmsu.edu.

by Jesca Cervantes and Bethany BlundellManaging Editor and Executive News Producer

Most students remember where they were on 9/11, while others remember it as a blur. For some it was filled with emotion or numb-ness because people could not believe what was happening.

However, wherever Americans were that day, the tragedy on that day has and continues to impact the country.

As the World Trade Center went down in flames and the New York Police Department scurried to save lives, newscast-ers and Americans could not

make complete

sense of the events unfolding before their eyes with events changing every minute.

When it became breaking news, reporters who were in the newsroom at the time were relying on citizen’s calling in for informa-tion because the source of the crash was unknown. Major reporters like Matt Lauer and Katie Couric gath-ered details regarding the sounds, reactions and how New York was handling the situation.

Speaking to elementary students in Florida that day, at 9:31 a.m. President George W. Bush an-nounced America had experienced a terrorist attack. Throughout the day, information regarding other attacks on commercial flights

and the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. were

reported and linked to the same attack.

Eight months after the attack, “1.4 million tons of debris removed from the site, 19,435 body parts have been

recovered from ground zero,” ac-cording to 911memorial.org.

As of Sept. 26, 2012, sta-tistics reported the total number of people who died in the 9/11 attacks was 2,996 including those of the World Trade Center, airlines, the Pentagon and the hijackers. Military and civilian deaths totaled to 125.

It has been 12 years since 9/11, and thousands from around the world go to visit Ground Zero Memorial Site where there are twin-reflecting pools located where each of the towers once stood. Names of those who died in the attacks are inscribed on the edges of the pools.

Today the memorial stands as a “reminder of the largest loss of life resulting from a foreign attack on American soil and the greatest single loss of rescue person-nel in American history,” the 911 Memorial website reports.

Those who can honor the fallen from 9/11 with others from New Mexico State University, can com-memorate together for the 12th anniversary at 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Student Memorial outside of Garcia Hall.

Moving forward but not forgottenWhere were you in 9/11?

“I was actually in New York on a school � eld trip.The entire skyline became thick black smoke. People were running around screaming and crying. I was just a kid. I didn’t fully grasp how serious things were.”- senior David Telles

“I was in an airport in Chicago with my family. I remember everything being shut down and no one could leave for the longest time. I was terrifed.”- said senior Andrew Daily

“I was taking my kids to a doctors appointment when the news came on the radio. I pulled the car over and held them while I listened.”- Joshua Hightower

“I was living in Florida at the time. My husband was on a busi-ness trip and all I could think was, ‘Dear God, don’t let it be him.” - Cassandra Wilcox

w

New Mexico State University police recently released their an-nual safety, security and fire re-ports. The results show almost all crime in 2012 decreased except for arson, drug abuse and bur-glary since 2007.

There were four cases of arson in 2012, which is a three-case in-crease from 2011, and drug abuse violations have increased by 37 percent, according to reports.

NMSU has seen a steady in-crease of burglary since 2009 with a 31 percent increase in bur-glary since 2011. According to legaldictionary.com, burglary is breaking and entering a building illegally for the purpose of com-

mitting a crime. However, in 2012 the cases de-

creased by 34 percent from 2011. Burglaries on other university campuses near NMSU are also lower.

University of Texas at El Paso and University of New Mexico reportedly had lower cases of burglaries on their campuses, with only 28 cases at UTEP in 2012 and 19 cases in 2011 at UNM compared to NMSU’s 50 cases.

UNM has a higher rate of mo-tor vehicle theft compared to the declining rate at NMSU, which decreased by 84 percent from 2007.

According to the FBI website, burglary as a whole in the United States has decreased 3.4 percent from 2011 with NMSU following this decline.

Aggravated assault on campus decreased, as there were only four cases in 2012 and 11 in 2011 and 2010. According to legaldiction-ary.com, aggravated assault is the crime of physically attacking an-other person and causing serious bodily harm and/or attacks with a weapon.

Sex offenses decreased since 2009 and robbery stayed the same since 2011 with only one case reported.

2012 campus crimes decrease, arson upby Lillian BoweStaff Writer

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newsoctober 15, 2013 3

Forbes reports best and worst careers of 2013

by Anthony AlbidrezSta� Writer

More than 800 participants are expected to attend this year’s Keep State Great — the volunteer-based clean up project around campus.

The beautification of campus is hosted by the Associated Students of New Mexico State University that will strike campus Saturday.

Check-in time is scheduled at 9 a.m. at the Corbett Outdoor Stage located outside Garcia Hall.

Sign-in tables will be available at the meet-ing location where groups can check in.

“Student organizations, groups of friends or individuals are encouraged to (register),” said Chelsea McCoy, director of Community Outreach for ASNMSU. “This year we are also reaching out high school students who are interested in volunteering.”

If participants volunteer in a group, the entire group must be present in

order to check in. This community service event gives stu-

dents the chance to assemble and participate in the cleaning of the Aggie community.

Tasks of the event include painting, cleaning and picking up garbage around the NMSU campus. Other tasks also include removing bird droppings.

“I participate in Keep State Great because I like doing something beneficial for the campus,” said junior Rebecca Levine.

Students are encouraged to get involved in the community service. Last year’s Keep State Great achieved the participation of 900 volunteers.

Students are advised to be punctual to the check-in time, be courteous to fellow partici-pants, refrain from explicit language, wear appropriate clothing for outdoor work, col-laborate with fellow volunteers and complete the task while having fun.

“It feels great organizing an event such as Keep State Great,” McCoy said. “It is awesome knowing that so many students are

excited and willing to give back to their campus. I love having the opportunity to plan such an event where students can show their ap-preciation for this university.”

by Rebecca MendezSta� Writer

College is the main prerequi-site to get a job in America. During academic school years, students might acquire jobs in any store to make money or pursue internships in their field of study. America’s vision of successful careers, however, is changing.

According to an article by Forbes.com, career guidance website CareerCast.com recently evaluated 200 professions of a wide variety of industries, skill levels and salary ranges to decide the best and worst jobs of 2013.

CareerCast.com used a four-core criteria measurement for each job: pay, outlook, work environment and stress. Career-Cast.com gathered data from the Census Bureau, United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, trade association studies and other sources.

The website broke each cat-egory into elements and gave each element points. In the final result, a higher point total reported a less desirable job, and a lower score reflected a more desirable one.

Today.com rated software engineer as one of the best jobs because it is a low-stress, high-paying job that is diverse since it constantly works with develop-ing technology. Positions are expected to increase by about 32 percent by 2018, according to the BLS.

U.S. News ranked pharmacy in the No. 3 slot because of the unique mix of medical knowl-edge and people skills. Plus, the requirement to run a pharmacy counter is always in demand. BLS predicts a 25.4 percent employ-ment growth for pharmacists by

2020, adding 69,700 new jobs to the field.

Forbes named the most stress-ful job of 2013 enlisted military personnel, and CareerCast ranked it as the third worst job this year because “their lives are on the line, daily,” said Tony Lee, publisher of CareerCast.com.

“They are away from home for long stretches of time and with the draw-down, many are being pushed out of the military even though they want to make it a career,” Lee said.

Lee also said the profession that has been ranked among the worst jobs were news reporters. According to Lee, this is due to low pay, high levels of stress from working under deadlines and the requirement to be on duty 24/7. The BLS predicts the number of traditional print newspapers re-porter jobs will decline 6 percent by 2020, however, that does not include media reporting.

Associate professor of journal-ism, Mary Lamonica, Ph.D., disagrees with this report.

“I think that is a very short-sided observation,” Lamonica said. “Journalism transitions with the times. Providing the news is still important or I wouldn’t be teaching it.”

Some other careers listed under the “worst jobs” category are actor, oil rig worker and dairy farmer.

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newsoctober 15, 2013 3

Forbes reports best and worst careers of 2013

by Anthony AlbidrezSta� Writer

More than 800 participants are expected to attend this year’s Keep State Great — the volunteer-based clean up project around campus.

The beautification of campus is hosted by the Associated Students of New Mexico State University that will strike campus Saturday.

Check-in time is scheduled at 9 a.m. at the Corbett Outdoor Stage located outside Garcia Hall.

Sign-in tables will be available at the meet-ing location where groups can check in.

“Student organizations, groups of friends or individuals are encouraged to (register),” said Chelsea McCoy, director of Community Outreach for ASNMSU. “This year we are also reaching out high school students who are interested in volunteering.”

If participants volunteer in a group, the entire group must be present in

order to check in. This community service event gives stu-

dents the chance to assemble and participate in the cleaning of the Aggie community.

Tasks of the event include painting, cleaning and picking up garbage around the NMSU campus. Other tasks also include removing bird droppings.

“I participate in Keep State Great because I like doing something beneficial for the campus,” said junior Rebecca Levine.

Students are encouraged to get involved in the community service. Last year’s Keep State Great achieved the participation of 900 volunteers.

Students are advised to be punctual to the check-in time, be courteous to fellow partici-pants, refrain from explicit language, wear appropriate clothing for outdoor work, col-laborate with fellow volunteers and complete the task while having fun.

“It feels great organizing an event such as Keep State Great,” McCoy said. “It is awesome knowing that so many students are

excited and willing to give back to their campus. I love having the opportunity to plan such an event where students can show their ap-preciation for this university.”

by Rebecca MendezSta� Writer

College is the main prerequi-site to get a job in America. During academic school years, students might acquire jobs in any store to make money or pursue internships in their field of study. America’s vision of successful careers, however, is changing.

According to an article by Forbes.com, career guidance website CareerCast.com recently evaluated 200 professions of a wide variety of industries, skill levels and salary ranges to decide the best and worst jobs of 2013.

CareerCast.com used a four-core criteria measurement for each job: pay, outlook, work environment and stress. Career-Cast.com gathered data from the Census Bureau, United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, trade association studies and other sources.

The website broke each cat-egory into elements and gave each element points. In the final result, a higher point total reported a less desirable job, and a lower score reflected a more desirable one.

Today.com rated software engineer as one of the best jobs because it is a low-stress, high-paying job that is diverse since it constantly works with develop-ing technology. Positions are expected to increase by about 32 percent by 2018, according to the BLS.

U.S. News ranked pharmacy in the No. 3 slot because of the unique mix of medical knowl-edge and people skills. Plus, the requirement to run a pharmacy counter is always in demand. BLS predicts a 25.4 percent employ-ment growth for pharmacists by

2020, adding 69,700 new jobs to the field.

Forbes named the most stress-ful job of 2013 enlisted military personnel, and CareerCast ranked it as the third worst job this year because “their lives are on the line, daily,” said Tony Lee, publisher of CareerCast.com.

“They are away from home for long stretches of time and with the draw-down, many are being pushed out of the military even though they want to make it a career,” Lee said.

Lee also said the profession that has been ranked among the worst jobs were news reporters. According to Lee, this is due to low pay, high levels of stress from working under deadlines and the requirement to be on duty 24/7. The BLS predicts the number of traditional print newspapers re-porter jobs will decline 6 percent by 2020, however, that does not include media reporting.

Associate professor of journal-ism, Mary Lamonica, Ph.D., disagrees with this report.

“I think that is a very short-sided observation,” Lamonica said. “Journalism transitions with the times. Providing the news is still important or I wouldn’t be teaching it.”

Some other careers listed under the “worst jobs” category are actor, oil rig worker and dairy farmer.

UPcleanup

October, 15 2013 4

Do you think NMSU should increase men-tal health services? Jennifer J.

SeniorLily O.

FreshmanJustin A.Sophomore

Charles S.Junior

“I don’t see why not. There is no harm in giving people more help that will benefi t a lot of people.”

WORD ON THE STREET

ONLINERead more at nmsuroundup.com

by Otto NicliSta� Writer

Campus is full of students who walk to class, but an increasing number of students ride bikes and longboards as alternatives.

Since New Mexico State University is built on an incline, the idea of using a longboard or a bike to get from point A to point B might seem appealing. Sadly, a

problem arises for those who want to use a bike in-

stead of their feet.

Students who walk to class of-

ten become a dangerous

obstacle for the bicyclists and skate-boarders that speed past through the crowds.

The fear of colliding is a com-mon threat for both pedestrians and riders. Riders might be the ones at a higher risk of impact since they are required to pay as much attention to the road as to the people ahead of them.

The main reason for this con-gestion is due to the bike lanes that are so obviously missing from campus. Every sidewalk is defaulted for pedestrians only.

At this moment, the only option for bicyclists and long-boarders is the white lines on Stewart Street and a short bike lane on the I-Mall, near Garcia Hall. These lanes are out of the way and inconvenient for many bicyclists.

The Horseshoe has signs for bicyclists to ride with the traffic even though this street is very dangerous for bicyclists. Many bicyclists use the sidewalk along the Horseshoe, which becomes congested quickly.

The other option for bicyclists is to ride on the street itself, which also presents another problem.Cars parked on the Horseshoe can accidentially pull out without seeing a bicyclist speeding behind them.

It’s long overdue for NMSU to add lanes, specifically for bicyclists and longboarders on the I-Mall, Frenger Mall and on the Horseshoe.

These lanes are needed on these pedestrian heavy pathways to avoid future collisions and alleviate the fear from student’s

Desperate need for integrated bike lanes on campus

Fractional Grading: Does it help or hurt?

Parking hell remains unavoidable

commentary by Tara Melton Sta� Writer

Fractional grading was imple-mented over the summer and since then students have been frustrated.

New Mexico State Univer-sity administration says the new system helps students, but the student side of the story is much different.

Last May, the NMSU Board of Regents approved a fractional grading policy that gives profes-sors the option to use plus and minus grades between “C” minus and “A” plus grades.

According to the Albuquerque Journal, NMSU administration’s view point is that fractional grad-ing allows professors to use a more accurate scale and provides equality to students.

An example of the traditional system is that if one student re-ceives an 81 and another student

in the same class receives an 89, they both would receive a “B” as a final grade. With fractional grading, the first student would receive a “B” minus and the second, a “B” plus.

According to ASNMSU, a compromise was made to ensure that a “C” minus on the fractional grading scale would be a 2.0 rather than its original 1.7.

This change was made so those students who earn a grade in a “C” range would still qualify and meet the grade point aver-age criteria for scholarships and financial aid.

Yet, this fractional grading sys-tem has left out one very impor-tant part: What happens if you get an “A” plus?

On the current fractional grad-ing scale, an “A” plus is still a 4.0, which is unequal to the rest of the system. Many NMSU students feel that an individual who works hard enough in a class to earn an “A” plus are being neglected by this system.

“It thrills me that my professors have chosen not to use fractional grading,” said Jessica Perez, a senior at NMSU. “From what I’ve seen, the scale can only help if the grade is a “C;” there aren’t any upsides to earning an “A.”

The University of New Mexico also has a fractional grading sys-tem but their system rewards their top students with an extra .3 points for an “A” plus. How are we going to compete with our peers if we leave our students at a disadvantage for working hard?

While fractional grading was implemented with the hopes of equality for NMSU students, it has fallen short.

If we can help our students by changing a “C” minus to 2.0, can’t we reward students who earn an “A” plus with a 4.3?

If the Board of Regents can help struggling students, they can certainly award students who go above and beyond to earn an “A” plus.

by Jocelyn ApodacaSta� Writer

Have you experienced the wrath of New Mexico State Uni-versity parking yet?

After being at this university for four and half years, I’ve just stopped purchasing parking passes. I can’t find parking with or without a sticker anyway.

Everyone has experienced showing up 10 minutes early thinking, “I’m totally going get a sweet parking spot super close to class...” Nope. You won’t.

There appears to be enough lots according to the map they hand out at freshmen orientation —but if you take a glance at the free parking lot at the Pan Am, you’ll realize there aren’t any.

There are six lots designated to commuter or on campus stu-dents marked with purple, green, yellow, orange and turquoise for motorcyclists, and brown as free lots.

As an upperclassman, my classes are generally in one or two buildings for the entire semester.

Those buildings, to my luck, don’t have parking lots near them.

If you analyze the map, you’ll notice that the popular large lots are off William Aveune and Gregg Street. There are no lecture halls near there. Every other lot I could probably count the spaces available on one hand, if that.

My issue with the parking on campus isn’t about physical activ-ity or trying to get a good spot. It’s deeper than that.

A parking permits costs $50 for one year of tortue. Am I willing to drop 50 bucks for maybe finding parking? Clearly, I’m not because we have the Aggie Transit system that picks up students from

the Pan American parking lot and takes them to various stops throughout campus.

How great would it be if park-ing was determined by class level or GPA? I would be one happy camper.

Despite rumors about a park-ing garage or adding lots, my advice is to invest in a bicycle. If you get a bike, motorcycle or longboard, you’re improving your carbon footprint, you fit almost anywhere, there’s always parking, it’s cheap, it’s fun and you look cool doing it.

If you don’t mind long walks on campus, park at the Pan Am or one of the free lots, show up to class a little earlier than usual, and just walk.

Whether you chose to take my advice or continue cruising around lots with fists clenching your steering wheel and road rage rants filling your thoughts, remember, if you want good parking either show up before 8:30 a.m., have a go-to lot or keep some spare change for a meter.

Alexandra Von Wol� Executive Director

Jesca CervantesManaging Editor

Ashely DeMottAdvertising Manager

Michelle TejedaDirector of Finance

Allison McCollisterDirector of Marketing

Executive News ProducersBethany BlundellKevin CulverAndrea Rojas

DesignersAna AyonGarson LambDavid LoeraFernanda Teixeira

The Round Up Staff

“People don’t pay attention

around campus. It’s hard riding around campus and almost get into recks. Es-pecially around Corbet and the International

Mall.”

“The bike trails are far o� from the rest of the building in

campus.”

“I almost get run over all the

time. There are toomany people

riding bikes on campus.”

AGGIE TOONS

Take it to the StreetsHOW DO YOU FEEL ABOUT RIDING BIKES ON CAMPUS?

“It’s di� cult

to maneuver around cars and

people.”

Brooke Stevens Undecided, Freshman

Christian Wentland, Freshman, General Science

Matt HopperJunior, English

Taylor Eidem, Sophomore, Business

“No, I think they are fi ne the way they are. They have coun-seling. I don’t know what else they could do.”

“No, there is enough for peo-ple who need it. We don’t have a big enough campus to put more money into it.”

“Defi nitely. I have Autism, and I can’t get into any of the programs. More help would be great.”

Ashley

Recently, an unprecedented surge in popularity of British shows has taken over America.

Dramas such as “Sherlock,” “Doctor Who” and “Downton Abbey” are staples of British tele-vision that have made their way over to the United States.

The reason for this is because of the vast differences between British television and American television that makes British TV exciting and different.

In contrast to American shows, which generally produce more than 20 episodes per season and take about half a year to com-plete, British shows have a more streamlined approach to fi nishing a series.

“The Offi ce,” which was originally a British show, lasted only two series but garnered a cult success that still resonates. Yet in comparison, the Ameri-can version of “The Offi ce” lasted for nine seasons.

British TV shows have the sense that the creators and ac-tors only work on their shows for as long as they feel inclined to. They aren’t tied down to networks or pushed to work until their programs become stale and boring.

Another difference is that the production of British shows tends to take longer to complete than American shows.

Take “Sherlock” for example. Each series (equivalent to a sea-son) spans only for three episodes that are an hour and 30 min-utes each, and each series takes roughly 17 months to complete.

Shows such as “Sherlock” and “The Mighty Boosh” have an incredible fan base even though they don’t have very many epi-sodes.

British TV shows also switch out old cast members to refresh shows. The actor who plays the titular doctor in “Doctor Who” is replaced every three to fi ve years; this routine has kept the show on air since 1963.

But American television tends to stick to their original cast for

as long as possible because Americans don’t

care for change in their favorite shows.

It might be the allure of incredible British acting, odd humor or the accents that attract Ameri-can viewers, but British TV continues to intrigue them.

Why British television is better than America’s by Otto NicliStaff Writer

What sounds more meaning-ful, rating someone “yes” or “no” based on looks or striking up a conversation with someone whose face you can’t see?

With a new craze of mobile apps like OkCupid, Tinder and Grouper, people aren’t really seeking out meaningful relation-ships anymore.

But a new app called Twine reports they’re changing the playing fi eld in mobile and on-line dating.

“Twine is about breaking the ice with interesting strangers,” the Twine website states.

It calls itself the fi rst gender based fl irting app and even pro-vides specialized icebreakers for the sender.

The way it works is based off matching interests rather than

showing a photo of the indi-vidual. The information won’t be revealed to someone until the sender is ready. Once a person fi nds a connection they can un-veil their photos.

Released in August, the app promotes “quality over quantity.” Unlike Tinder which was under fi re for being game-like and rat-ing individuals on attractiveness, Twine seeks to pair people on common interests.

This site shows that connection is still the best way to form and hone something of value. This site discourages making matches for number count and even limits how many matches a person can have in a day. This variable allows the sender to open up a dialogue with the recipient.

To a younger generation, some

might believe the makers of the site are taking a risk for not re-vealing photos until matches are made, but this isn’t what mean-ingful friendships and relation-ships aspire from.

Relationships are supposed to be based on connection and love rather than the measurements of someone’s bra size or their hair color. This site is exemplifying a mature and less critical way of dating. The pressures to meet expectations are lower, and it is an easier way to connect without hidden motives.

The underlying message of the site and app reminds those seeking relationships and con-nections that looks are not always the best way to judge a person’s character.

Twine exemplifi es that personality matters more than looks by Jocelyn ApodacaStaff Writer

This nation will never forget the shootings by Seung-Hui Chos and James Holmes who were both college students at the time when they committed mass murders.

Mental health professionals on each of their campuses tried to help and both quit counseling, according to medical records released after the shootings.

Mental health is a touchy sub-ject for many people, especially for young adults, so accessibil-ity should be of ease when it comes to fi nding places to speak to a professional about personal problems.

College students are under massive amounts of stress, due to school, work, fi nances and the unknown future. College is also a time of personal growth, so students might be dealing with a lot of “fi rsts” that can take a serious toll.

According to suicide.org, sui-cide is the second leading cause of death among college students, with the No.1 cause of suicide

being untreated depression. While a person may think they are just in a funk, it can quickly escalate to a dangerous situation.

That’s where mental health services provided on campus come in. One in fi ve college students are diagnosed with a mental disorder, according to the Suicide Prevention Resource Center. But the average univer-sity counseling center sees about 10 percent of

the student body each

year, according to a report

by the As-sociation for

University and College Counseling Center Directors in 2011.

This could be because some students are fearful of attending university conseling.

According to a 2012 Na-tional Alliance on Mental Health survey, more than 62 percent of

college students are dropping out because of mental health prob-lems. And more than 75 percent of university counseling directors say they’ve had to cut hours for non-emergency students in an effort to combat their shrinking budgets.

So the more that is cut from the center, the more students suffer.

College students are train-ing to enter the work force and make decisions for this country. But if the mental health services some need aren’t funded and more accessible, these people will continue to struggle.

On campus, the free services such as the Relaxation Room and the counseling center that are available are not as utilized as they should be because students either don’t know about them or are afraid.

The campus should promote these services more so students who are struggling will know they are available.

Mental health services should be increased on college campusesby Tara MeltonStaff Writer

october 15, 2013 5

VIRGO

HOROSCOPES

LIBRA

SCORPIO

CAPRICORN

AQUARIUS

PISCES

ARIES

TAURUS

GEMINI

CANCER

LEO

Timeslive.co.za/entertainment/horoscopes/

Listen Up!

90S SONGS

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SAGITTARIUS

Spanish teacher Audra Alfonzo-Westphal Audra Alfonzo-Westphal was born and raised in Caracas, Ven-ezuela and came to the United States in 2004. In 2008, she de-cided to get her master’s degree in Spanish. Alfonzo-Westphal double majored in human resources and foreign languages, � nished in two years with honors and began as a teaching assistant. “We learn something from every single person,” Alfonzo-Westphal said. “We learn something new everyday. That’s life, an eternal learning process.”Alfonzo-Weshphal’s favorite element of teaching is her students. She makes a great instructor to Spanish because she knows the language and believes that com-munication is the key to success in the future. “With the globalization process and Internet, we need to be prepare to be pro� cient when � nding a job,” she said. “When you are bilingual you have so many open doors.”Inviting students to gain a secondary way of com-municating makes great strides for the student and the successes they will face in the future. “The other point is that when you teach another language, you also teach culture and for me, this is like opening a new door for the student,” she said. “We are providing not only a new language but another world to be discover.”

Don’t fret about tiny disruptions. The planets know what they’re doing, so an occasional detour will make no dif-ference to your destination.

This is the last week to get your act together before the communication planet takes a break. You need to sign contracts, � le documents and consoli-date budgets.

The goddess of inner wisdom is sprin-kling fairy dust on your dreams. Pay attention. Write down whatever comes to you as you wake up.

Being a social animal is a strain and there are times when you have no idea how to behave. Make use of technol-ogy .

There’s no need to allow yourself to be pushed into things before you’re ready. If people are pushing , it’s prob-ably because their o� er doesn’t stand up to inspection.

Issues with the boss, the cops, parents, teachers - anyone with more authority than you? Friday’s eclipse will help you see your world di� erently.

If the bosses are giving you a hard time, ask for a list of requirements. They’re simply leaving you with feel-ings of inadequacy and failure.

It’s time to see that there are no longer any obstacles between you and a lasting relationship. There is only com-mitment phobia, and the fear of losing yourself in someone else’s ego.

If you’ve done all your homework, a new project will take o� like a rocket. You’d better be prepared. Eclipses never bring the changes you expect.

You’re in one of those absurd moods that suggest “If you loved me, you’d know what I need”. This is setting yourself up for disappointment.

The gym is calling. A few lunges might put a smile on that miserable dial, and do some good for that £ ab. You’ve been taking yourself too seriously, and the love life is starting to su� er.

The planets of opportunity are beam-ing on you. Take it slowly. This is one of those weeks when your diary gets tossed, and the word “cram” takes on new meaning.

ANGELSANOTHER NIGHT

BABYBLACK

CANDY RAINCUPIDDITTY

DREAMLOVEREVERY MORNING

FLY AWAY

FORTUNATEFROZENHANDS

HIGH ENOUGHHOLD ON

HOOKHYPNOTIZE

I BELIEVEIMPULSIVE

INSENSITIVE

IRONICJEREMYKISS ME

LAST NIGHTLULLABY

MIAMIMY BODY

ONE WEEKPOISON

REGULATE

RELEASE MESABOTAGE

SHINESHY GUY

SWEET LADYTEMPTATION

THE POWERTHIS HOUSE

TOGETHER AGAINTOO MUCH

TUBTHUMPINGUNPRETTY

WATERFALLSWHAT’S UP

WHATTA MANWILD NIGHT

ZOMBIE

Don’t Look Back In Anger – OasisAlthough the band is split into two, this was one of those rare moments when Noel Gallagner actually sang a song without Liam. It’s a great song to sing along to with friends at the pub.

Midnight City – M83The blend of rock and electronic makes this song a favorite. M83 brings a melancholia feel to this upbeat-feel song. The saxophone towards the end makes it unique and brings back the 80s.

Just Like Heaven – The CureSeen last week in El Paso, lead singer Robert Smith still has an amazing voice. This classic is still amaz-ing. Smith’s romantic lyrics make it unforgettable.

Once In A Lifetime – Talking HeadsThe Talking Heads described the American dream: being adults and having families and awesome cars. Although it sounds like David Byrne was eat-ing too much sugar.

Linger – The CranberriesGreat news. The Cranberries are back together. This oldie still lingers around to Cranberry fans. The bittersweet melody and lyrics might make you want to cry.

October, 15 2013 6

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Selfi sh. Annoyed. Lazy. Superfi cial.

Though elders be-lieve these words describe our generation, and it may be true for some, it’s not true for all of us.

In today’s society, our genera-tion, dubbed “Generation Me,” grew up quickly in the past 20 years, despite the lack of respect we receive from our elders in do-ing so.

Growing up we were told to be-lieve we can make the impossible happen and that we can achieve whatever we want, but these statements have proven inaccu-rate for some trying to achieve their goals. Compared to older generations, this generation must work harder than ever before.

Although we are barely in our 20s, this generation already en-dured a massive shift in our coun-try’s regime after a terrorist at-tack, lives during an ongoing war and a recession. And this same group of young adults is facing a lack of healthcare, major student debt and has trouble fi nding a job.

But because of these hidden disadvantages caused by society, our generation is the most cyni-cal but hardest working genera-tion yet.

Facing the factsNow more than ever, getting

admitted to an Ivy League col-lege has become nearly impos-sible — unless the applicant is an amputee from Russia who started a charity for underprivileged chil-dren and plays varsity basketball.

College App Wizzard reported

Brown University received nearly “29,000 applications for about 2,600 spots for an admit rate of 9.2 percent.” According to the website, Ivy Leagues are admit-ting alumni children, athletes, under-represented minorities, fi rst-generation college students and those with special talents such as entrepreneurs.

Colleges are not taking into consideration what higher edu-cation can do for you but what

you can do for them, more spe-cifi cally, how you can make them money.

So even if you’re the valedicto-rian, earned almost perfect scores on the SAT, serve the student body as class president and vol-unteer on the weekends, you’re chances of getting admitted to Harvard could still be in jeop-ardy.

In 2013, the goal of attending an Ivy League school seems com-pletely out of reach, and if a stu-dent does get admitted, they face a potential cloud of looming debt over them.

According to money.cnn.com, an average student from the class of 2013 graduated in-debted to $26,000 in government loans alone — not including the $19,000 in private loans, $13,000 in personal and $3,000 in credit card debt.

These same students said they would repay their student debt using income from their job, but

with the value of a bachelor’s degree declining, they could be working a serving job and intern-ing on a minimal salary to pay this back.

The Pacifi c Standard Maga-zine reported that Economic Policy Institute found “52 percent of employed college graduates under the age of 24 were work-ing in jobs that did not require a degree last year,” despite the fact that our generation is fi lled with overqualifi ed individuals seeking a fi rst job.

To stand out against their peers, college students are join-ing every club, working low pay jobs that relate to their major in the slightest and doing anything in their power to amplify their resume.

“Be not afraid of greatness…”

They say we’re not hard work-ing, that we’re obsessed with tak-ing “selfi es” and can’t succeed, but they’re wrong.

These problems of fi nding a job and trying to make ends meet are problems that each genera-

tion faces, but the fact is that life is more competitive now.

Although there are disadvan-tages in life caused by society and you may not get your lucky break at the right time, our generation hasn’t given up just yet. Although we are viewed as non-active citizens, we continue to fi ght for equal rights for gays and women until we see change.

In contrast to our parents and grandparents, we aren’t con-cerned about getting married and being a 50s housewife. New jobs and businesses are being created,

and we aren’t satisfi ed with work-ing at minimum wage because we are just trying to fi gure out what we love and how to make a living off of it.

Call us crazy, selfi sh or stupid, but this generation isn’t doomed for failure, we’re just working in a different way to achieve great-ness.

the motives

COMMENTARY

by Jesca CervantesManaging Editor

behind our generation

tion faces, but the fact is that life and we aren’t satisfi ed with work-

Decoding photos by Jenny Marin & Fernanda Teixeira

october 15, 2013 7culture

How one NMSU student became a state-wide story

by Rebecca MendezSta� Writer

New Mexico State University graduate student James Kilcrease, 27, started the Aggie Cancer Survivor Scholarship after he completed chemotherapy in October 2011.

At the end of summer 2011, Kilcrease went for a checkup doctor’s appointment where he found out that he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

“It was an interesting journey,” Kilcrease said. “I found a small lump, and I made an appoint-ment with my urologist, Mark Bieri. He checked, conducted some tests, called me the next morning and told me that I would be going into surgery the next day.”

Kilcrease’s life changed within 36 hours.

He recovered from surgery five weeks later and soon began his three months of chemotherapy. He was in the hospital for about eight and half hours a day five days a week for treatment and ev-ery once in a while on Saturdays for a white blood cell booster shot.

“Those were the worst because it made every muscle in my body that I didn’t know I had hurt,” Kilcrease said. “However, I had a great oncologist, Constance Wash, who got me the treatment I needed and very quickly.”

When Kilcrease was in che-motherapy, he was still active in school full time. He took online classes to maintain his status in school.

“I had my dad drive me from the hospital to school in the

evenings to do some work in the green house and other things,” Kilcrease said. “It was still impor-tant, and is now, to be in school and come out cancer free.”

On October 10, 2011, Kilcrease finished chemotherapy treatment.

“I’m very happy, “Kilcrease said. “ Three months cancer free and going strong.”

Kilcrease said he wanted to start the scholarship for several reasons.

“I saw that there were many mental, physical and financial burdens for just about anyone who goes through cancer and treatments,” Kilcrease said.

The scholarship is specifi-cally for graduate students and is meant to offset costs such as books or supplies. It is also meant to encourage graduate students with cancer to continue with their education.

“It’s a way of recognizing these students who have cancer or survived it,” Kilcrease said. “There are people who are proud that you have survived and this is a way of giving back a little bit of light in these difficult circum-stances. We want to bring back a smile to that person’s face with a scholarship.”

So far, the process of rais-ing funds for the scholarship is underway and $5,000 has been raised. In order for the scholar-ship to become active, funds must reach $10,000.

“Once we reach our goal of $10,000 then we will be able to distribute out some scholarships to cancer survivors,” Kilcrease said. “It’s an endowed, universal scholarship, so when we have the money, it will be paid out forever.”

Kilcrease is encouraging others to give a gift of $1, $10, $50 and up to help the scholarship grow.

“Every little bit helps,” Kilcrease said. “My family and I give from the money that we can put together into this fund.”

Kilcrease will graduate in December with his doctorate in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences.

To donate, pick up a brochure at the NMSU Foundation office to mail in your donations.

Survivor raises funds for cancer scholarship

by Lillian Bowe Sta� Writer

Matt Zajac, 26, became a double amputee after serving his country in the Army, and in May 2007 decided he wanted to earn a degree in mechanical engineering.

The subject may be intimidat-ing to some, but Zajac said he loves it and there are always “puzzles to solve” in his major.

While visiting Las Cruces dur-ing Thanksgiving, Zajac decided

to tour New Mexico State Univer-sity and look at the engineering department.

“I was really impressed by the engineering department, so I came to NMSU,” Zajac said.

Zajac was no stranger to Las Cruces as his grandmother, Marjorie Seedorf, 87, lives in town. A few months ago, after the passing of his father, Zajac became the sole provider for his grandmother.

“I don’t know what would have

happened if had gone to school in another state,” he said. Zajac is currently a sophomore and is only taking one class while he takes care of his grandmother.

That was also his reason for missing out of the $2,000 prize during the Sept. 28 Aggie football game against San Diego State University. Zajac heard he missed out on the prize from his girl-friend’s coworker who was at the game.

“I was not upset that I did not

get the money, and I did not think it was a big deal at all,” Zajac said. “The rules were that you had to be at the game, and I wasn’t there.”

The news of Zajac missing out on the prize money caught the media’s attention. Mark Chavez, founder of a University of New Mexico fan website thelobolair.com, started a campaign to raise money for Zajac.

The website collected about $2,000 for Zajac quickly. But Za-

jac said he did nothing to deserve it and holds no resentment to NMSU students for not raising the money themselves.

Zajac decided to take half of the money and donate it to the Fisher House Foundation, which houses family members of wounded veterans during the veteran’s time at the hospital.

Zajac is currently awaiting a charitable donation from the Veterans United Foundation.

James Kilcrease named his dog Kimo after enduring his therapy for cancer. courtesy photo

october 15, 2013 7culture

How one NMSU student became a state-wide story

by Rebecca MendezSta� Writer

New Mexico State University graduate student James Kilcrease, 27, started the Aggie Cancer Survivor Scholarship after he completed chemotherapy in October 2011.

At the end of summer 2011, Kilcrease went for a checkup doctor’s appointment where he found out that he was diagnosed with testicular cancer.

“It was an interesting journey,” Kilcrease said. “I found a small lump, and I made an appoint-ment with my urologist, Mark Bieri. He checked, conducted some tests, called me the next morning and told me that I would be going into surgery the next day.”

Kilcrease’s life changed within 36 hours.

He recovered from surgery five weeks later and soon began his three months of chemotherapy. He was in the hospital for about eight and half hours a day five days a week for treatment and ev-ery once in a while on Saturdays for a white blood cell booster shot.

“Those were the worst because it made every muscle in my body that I didn’t know I had hurt,” Kilcrease said. “However, I had a great oncologist, Constance Wash, who got me the treatment I needed and very quickly.”

When Kilcrease was in che-motherapy, he was still active in school full time. He took online classes to maintain his status in school.

“I had my dad drive me from the hospital to school in the

evenings to do some work in the green house and other things,” Kilcrease said. “It was still impor-tant, and is now, to be in school and come out cancer free.”

On October 10, 2011, Kilcrease finished chemotherapy treatment.

“I’m very happy, “Kilcrease said. “ Three months cancer free and going strong.”

Kilcrease said he wanted to start the scholarship for several reasons.

“I saw that there were many mental, physical and financial burdens for just about anyone who goes through cancer and treatments,” Kilcrease said.

The scholarship is specifi-cally for graduate students and is meant to offset costs such as books or supplies. It is also meant to encourage graduate students with cancer to continue with their education.

“It’s a way of recognizing these students who have cancer or survived it,” Kilcrease said. “There are people who are proud that you have survived and this is a way of giving back a little bit of light in these difficult circum-stances. We want to bring back a smile to that person’s face with a scholarship.”

So far, the process of rais-ing funds for the scholarship is underway and $5,000 has been raised. In order for the scholar-ship to become active, funds must reach $10,000.

“Once we reach our goal of $10,000 then we will be able to distribute out some scholarships to cancer survivors,” Kilcrease said. “It’s an endowed, universal scholarship, so when we have the money, it will be paid out forever.”

Kilcrease is encouraging others to give a gift of $1, $10, $50 and up to help the scholarship grow.

“Every little bit helps,” Kilcrease said. “My family and I give from the money that we can put together into this fund.”

Kilcrease will graduate in December with his doctorate in the Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences.

To donate, pick up a brochure at the NMSU Foundation office to mail in your donations.

Survivor raises funds for cancer scholarship

by Lillian Bowe Sta� Writer

Matt Zajac, 26, became a double amputee after serving his country in the Army, and in May 2007 decided he wanted to earn a degree in mechanical engineering.

The subject may be intimidat-ing to some, but Zajac said he loves it and there are always “puzzles to solve” in his major.

While visiting Las Cruces dur-ing Thanksgiving, Zajac decided

to tour New Mexico State Univer-sity and look at the engineering department.

“I was really impressed by the engineering department, so I came to NMSU,” Zajac said.

Zajac was no stranger to Las Cruces as his grandmother, Marjorie Seedorf, 87, lives in town. A few months ago, after the passing of his father, Zajac became the sole provider for his grandmother.

“I don’t know what would have

happened if had gone to school in another state,” he said. Zajac is currently a sophomore and is only taking one class while he takes care of his grandmother.

That was also his reason for missing out of the $2,000 prize during the Sept. 28 Aggie football game against San Diego State University. Zajac heard he missed out on the prize from his girl-friend’s coworker who was at the game.

“I was not upset that I did not

get the money, and I did not think it was a big deal at all,” Zajac said. “The rules were that you had to be at the game, and I wasn’t there.”

The news of Zajac missing out on the prize money caught the media’s attention. Mark Chavez, founder of a University of New Mexico fan website thelobolair.com, started a campaign to raise money for Zajac.

The website collected about $2,000 for Zajac quickly. But Za-

jac said he did nothing to deserve it and holds no resentment to NMSU students for not raising the money themselves.

Zajac decided to take half of the money and donate it to the Fisher House Foundation, which houses family members of wounded veterans during the veteran’s time at the hospital.

Zajac is currently awaiting a charitable donation from the Veterans United Foundation.

James Kilcrease named his dog Kimo after enduring his therapy for cancer. courtesy photo

October 15, 2013 8

Though some people may think tennis is only a sport, for seniors on the tennis team, the sport provides opportunities for travel, study and play.

Marc Westgate, Annemieke Witte and Ros-Polly Nguyen have come from different places around the world to study and compete at New Mexico State University on scholarship.

Traveling from Lelystad, Neth-erlands; Saint Julien-En-Gene-vois, France; and Loughborough, England, the players have trav-elled a long way from home to follow their passions and pursue their dreams.

“I wanted to play tennis but we can’t do both (go to school and play) in France, so I came to the United States to do both,” Nguy-en said.

The students said the mandato-ry practices as well as long tourna-ments can be physically and men-tally taxing, especially while going to school full time. But although there are a lot of requirements for the players and their schedules remain demanding, tennis offers a wide variety of benefi ts to the players

“The experiences we get when we travel and see different parts of the country are the rewards that tennis gives back,” Witte said.

Aside from the lifelong memo-ries and cultural experiences, there are sporting benefi ts of competing on a college team as well.

“Tennis is an individual sport, so being able to play and practice on a team is very good for tennis

play,” West-gate said. “Plus it is fun and a great way to keep fi t.”

Though each com-petitor is at NMSU to play tennis, they are also here to study and get a degree. Westgate, who is majoring in economics and fi nance, is expected to graduate December of 2014. He plans on staying in the U.S. to compete for at least a year while trying to get an internship. After that, he may move to London.

Witte and Nguyen are both expected to graduate in May of 2014, then they will return home to attend graduate school.

Witte is currently majoring in family and child sciences and wants to continue competing while she is studying for her mas-ter’s degree in the Netherlands. Nguyen, on the other hand, is content with playing occasion-ally as she goes back to graduate school for a business degree in France.

While international tennis players are focused on different futures, they are all share the common goal of enjoying what tennis currently offers them, an enriched life experience.

by Grace GutierrezStaff Writer

The New Mexico State Aggies volleyball team is undefeated in conference play, putting them one step closer to the Western Athlet-ic Conference championship.

Though the New Mexico State Aggies have an overall record of 10-8, their record in conference play is 6-0. Though the Aggies still have 10 conference games in the regular season, fi ve of them are against teams they have al-ready defeated once this season.

“It makes me feel more con-fi dent going into games, but we are defi nitely still working during practice,” said senior, outside hit-ter Lauren Loerch.

In their fi rst match against Texas Pan American, the Aggies won in four sets with a total of 26 points over their opponents. The Aggies won the CSU Bakersfi eld,

Idaho and Chicago matches in three sets by 24, 23 and 29 points. They also beat Seattle in four matches, with an overage of 23 points.

By this time last year, the team was 7-2 and well on their way to being the WAC champi-ons. Though they had won four matches in three sets, they also struggled more in other matches, using all fi ve sets to claim their victory.

So far this year, the Aggies have clenched all of their victories in four sets or fewer.

The Aggie’s ability and record have not gone unnoticed as sev-en of the nine WAC volleyball coaches have picked New Mexico State to win the championship for the second year in a row. The preseason poll ranked New Mex-

ico State fi rst, followed by Idaho, Utah Valley and Seattle Univer-sity, according to the Athletics Department.

“We’re ranked number one, which means we are a target,” said coach Mike Jordan. “The other teams are going to give us their best shot, so we have to bring our A-game.”

Players like Lauren Loerch, selected to the WAC preseason team, and Desiree Scott, selected as the WAC player of the week on Oct. 7, exemplify why the Aggies rank high.

“The week before I had been looking at the other WAC play-ers of the week and I made it my goal,” Scott said. “I didn’t expect to reach my goal so quickly.”

by Grace GutierrezStaff Writer

Volleyball remains undefeated in WAC

Volleyball plays Oct. 17 against CSU-Bakersville. photo by J. Marin

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