Letter: A new year, a challenge

Dear UNM Community,

I ask you each to consider something right now: How can you reach out and welcome the stranger in your midst? Are you bold enough to see — really see — another person? Do you recognize that you can make a difference in someone’s life?

My son will not be a sophomore this year at UNM.

A year ago, we excitedly bought dorm room decorations and college supplies and eagerly sent him forth to the grand new adventure in another state. This confident Colorado native knew, without a doubt, that UNM was the place for him, thanks to your incredible campus, challenging programs and the rugged beauty that is the great state of New Mexico. He met so many wonderful people during orientation; his enthusiasm was contagious.

And then the shine came off.

Not once, during the entire year, did any “local” invite the out-of-stater home for a family dinner. Social as he is, he found his classmates all knew each other from high school or earlier and weren’t that interested in expanding their social circle. He was oh so very lonely, and it was hard for his Colorado posse to know that most of his free time was spent in solitude, with no one in Albuquerque even aware of the aching depth of his pain.

My son transferred out of UNM this year. He will again be the new student in a new school in a new state.

But I ask of the fine students at UNM: use this story as motivation to be that student determined to make a difference in someone’s life this year. See someone from out-of-state? Welcome them with unbridled enthusiasm! Invite them home — for a meal or a weekend. Show off your incredible territory. Reach out at any meal to that student sitting alone. Engage the student sitting next to you in tomorrow’s classes. Smile at and acknowledge the people you pass as you walk your beautiful campus.

Look out for, talk to, and really see the people sharing your path. Your life will be so much the richer for it. And in this time of national turmoil, your efforts may be the bright spot that starts the change.

And your mom will be proud of you.

Terri Faulkner

Greeley, Colorado