Editor,
Missing the first three weeks of the semester is a surefire way to make it go by more quickly. Don't call me lazy for not being here - I didn't even know I'd be going here this semester.
My freshman year at Loyola University New Orleans was fun, but fate had a way of dragging me back home to New Mexico after a year. I assumed this semester wasn't going to happen, but I contacted UNM anyway, and they rushed me through the process quickly and efficiently. The staff has been kind, understanding and very accommodating. My professors worked with me to help me catch up in my classes and ensure I was able to continue my academic growth uninterrupted. I know people like to say ignorant things about state universities, but I can now say from experience they are wrong. My professors at Loyola were great - and my professors at the University of New Mexico were just as great. In fact, some of the best teachers I've ever had are here at UNM - you know who you are.
The academic quality here is top notch, and the students have been kind in hosting us. In the end, I'll try to look at the bright side of the disaster that brought me here and the opportunity it gave me to widen my perspective a little.
My school was lucky enough to make it through with comparatively little damage, but others were not so lucky. So next semester, while I'm back in New Orleans and my college is hosting students from other local universities who weren't so fortunate, I'll take a cue from UNM's spirit of hospitality and generosity.
So on behalf of all of us displaced students, I thank the entire UNM community for everything you have done. Think of New Orleans come Spring Break time - have fun and help rebuild the local economy. It's win-win.
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Sean Duffy
UNM student and displaced Loyola University student
