Editor,
So UNM is going to pull more money out of students next year in an effort to further provide education for us to pursue our dreams.
Brilliant.
I, as a first-year student, can't wait to use all my extra cash on rising tuition fees for the next three years.
The University isn't receiving money from the Legislature this year, and prices of books and utilities on campus are rising. Could it also have something to do with the funding for the vast amount of groups and organizations to which UNM has to attend? Or maybe - just maybe - it could have something to do with all those really fun extracurricular activities like egg decorating, s'more night and tie-dyeing with fruit that the University provides for our entertainment.
Clearly the rising costs at UNM are a problem, but I don't feel the answer lies in increasing tuition when there are other answers. I know, or at least hope, that the University has the best interest of students in mind, so it seems that UNM would consider everything possible before putting the costs onto students.
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I'd like to feel confident enough to think that the University has considered making up for the lack of funding by simply budgeting and setting priorities. But is that the case?
Some students have already presented the idea of fundraising, which is a good idea. I think a more efficient way of solving the problem lies in looking at the whole picture.
UNM needs to realize that students are more important than pastel eggs. Furthermore, while athletics are important, it should not exceed academics. Money used for full-ride scholarships should be spread out more efficiently.
I'm sure we can all recall those simple problem pleasers - share the wealth, and it's better to have a little of a good thing than nothing at all.
I am an average student who wants to fulfill my dreams. I am not gifted enough to receive an academic scholarship, I am not sporty enough to receive an athletic scholarship, nor am I privileged enough to obtain the kind of money it takes to feed the hunger of UNM's tuition fees.
So what does a person like me do? I say UNM should move around the funding it already possesses in order to please all of its demands.
Even if it means tuition will still rise, but not by as much, I feel the students, as well as the University, have given all we can in helping to provide the education our future achievers deserve.
Loyola Herrera
UNM student
