Editor,
During my tenure here at UNM, I have served as a senator and vice president of ASUNM. As an ASUNM alumnus, I have seen a barrage of stories and letters to the editor in the past, and I hate to say they are becoming more and more negative. Lately, it seems it is almost a daily affair to hear something negative about the association. My intention is not to go on a rant about any one individual's personal issues or general feelings about ASUNM, but rather to tell a story about what happens in that office every day and what goes unsaid, unknown and unappreciated.
ASUNM is about 100 people strong, and its sole purpose is to serve. The majority of these individuals work for little to absolutely no pay. They work hundreds of hours each semester; it's time taken away from friends, family, homework and jobs that would actually pay them for the long hours they put in. I ask not that these senators and other individuals of the association receive any special recognition or praise, but rather that we students better understand all they do and how they really make a difference.
Next time another letter comes out about how twisted, incorrect and completely insane certain issues or individuals of ASUNM are, realize that there are two sides to each story. I refuse to dabble in the current politics of the Senate, as my term is long since over. However, I will charge each reader to understand that the people who walk in and out of those doors are there to make a positive difference on this campus. Every year, most of what you hear of them is in edgy letters to the editor. I cannot possibly tell you all of the positive differences that individuals like Debbie Morris, Brittany Jaeger, Andrea Roussel and countless senators and past leaders have made that have gone overlooked by almost every student.
So, outside of showing the softer and more positive side of ASUNM that few have ever experienced from reading the Daily Lobo, I simply ask that if you ever have a problem as a student or as a member of a student organization, or if you want to learn more about all of what ASUNM really does, all you have to do is take a short walk to the office in the SUB. The door is always open - well, at least from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. - and there will always be someone with an answer, working toward bettering this campus for you and me.
There are some amazing people in that office. I really wish they were better understood. And for what it's worth, thanks, ASUNM, from all of us.
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Mike Mooney
UNM student
