Editor,
My name is Raul Anaya and I am currently obtaining my Executive MBA here at UNM. I am writing in support of the student fees that go to UNM athletics. Being a former NMSU Aggie, where I obtained my Industrial Engineering degree, and was the co-captain of the football team, I want to say it is unfortunate that the Graduate Professional Student Association is trying to take money away from those who are innocent bystanders. I do not condone the actions that were taken by head football coach Mike Locksley, but the ones being hurt by GPSA’s actions are the students themselves, not coach Locksley. By taking away money, the GPSA is damaging UNM students’ abilities to enjoy “college life.”
Athletics were never meant to be a priority in a college student’s life and they never will be. They are here to give students a sense of pride and to give alumni a chance to support their university outside of the academic world. Nowadays, college isn’t just about academics. It’s a passage in one’s life from being a teenager to being a young adult. Colleges market their ability to allow students to enjoy a “college life” while obtaining their degree. That is why there are dorms, food on campus and many other extra-curricular activities. These things are there for them to escape for a while.
I also want to say, as a former college athlete, I learned many valuable lessons in teamwork and leadership to help me prepare for life and the many challenges it throws at me. The UNM athletes aren’t just there to play sports. They are there to obtain their degrees and to become productive members of society.
I understand the GPSA is trying to send out a message, but they are sending the wrong one and they are hurting the ones they are trying to protect. I urge those that are allowed to vote, to vote for keeping GPSA money in athletics. We all make mistakes, but the mistakes of a few should not impact everyone. Let’s learn from our mistakes, move on, stand together as Lobos, support our “college life” and consider those innocent that will be negatively impacted.
Raul Anaya
Daily Lobo reader
