O' Fair New Mexico

Today I packed most of my belongings and my dorm room is bare. All that is left are my study materials, toiletries, some clothing, and a tv. There are three significant things I did leave hanging on my wall, a Notre Dame pennant, New Mexican flag, and the Holy Crucifix. Those three things travel wherever life takes me. I put them up where I live and they are the last items to be taken down when I leave. This school year has been academically challenging and emotionally draining, but I am finished with my classes and I am looking forward to returning to my beloved home, New Mexico.

After I was finished packing today I picked up a burger and turned the lonely television on and I watched my favorite, the History Channel, and the program that was airing was profiles on the 50 states. Within minutes they began their program on New Mexico!

When I reflect on my career choices that included my move out of state to receive my college degrees I always reason that although it has been difficult, it was the best thing I did. Although I miss home, I have had opportunities that most people my age back home would never have experienced in their lifetime. My move has also opened my eyes and placed a true value on my New Mexican roots and I have developed a greater appreciation for New Mexico. In high school I felt I was above all things and wanted to leave the first chance I could get. Well now that I am gone, I want to get back home as much as possible. I have finally found why it is the "land of enchantment", and what is the charm that entices so many foreigners to our little part of the world.

I think aside from the food, architecture, cultures, and landscapes its essential charm is embedded in her people. Its a state full of life, comparable to the vivid colors of spring in her deserts. It is a state where tradition meets modernity and make a marriage infused with old time principle and progressive attitudes toward our collective future. Our past still guides our future, but does not bound it. Opportunity runs wide and as far as the western horizons.

People here at school are alarmed at my passion for my state. They ask me why do I have my state flag in my room, and the biggest insult is "do you think your Texan or something?". We have a swagger, but not a loud condescending arrogance that our neighbor Texans posses. Our pride is quiet, it is slow to grow on one. We value our past but do not shy away from progress. Our culture is what separates us from the rest of the nation and some people do not understand us (as I am misunderstood). Our culture is one with roots from many. When people assume that I am Mexican, I correct them, I am New Mexican. Our past is painted with as many different colors that we find in the summer sunsets.

I know that New Mexico is a beauty, but not all see the same as I. There are problems that haunt our state. Political corruption has a tradition in New Mexico and I truly believe this corruption is the root of all inadequacies that have discouraged in some way our progress. I hope that all the politicians put their state first and not their respective political parties agendas in future legislative sessions, county commission meetings, zoning commissions, and state party conventions. Republicans, Democrats, hell even the Greens all offer certain policies that would enhance our state. A new wave of New Mexican politics is on its way, and I think we need to ask ourselves what are our needs and what can fullfill these needs responsibly and respectively.

I'll leave you guys and gals with that thought. I must remind you all that I know I am not the greatest writer in the world but these were some thoughts I had today while I was packing. Who would have thought that packing would be such a profound experience... heh

AHD