Students

Christina Olivas always knew she would attend New Mexico State University.

Her father, who retired from the Office of Facilities and Services, encouraged Olivas, the youngest of three children, to enroll. A graduate of Mayfield High School, she is the first in her family to go to college.

Olivas is a rising senior studying graphic design and marketing. Her future plans include working in advertising, marketing or design—preferably on the West Coast. In preparation for graduation next spring and the start of her career, she's spending this summer in San Francisco, checking out the job market, making contacts and networking.

While at NMSU, she's been preparing for a bright future by gaining hands-on experience. During the 2007-2008 academic year, she worked at the University's Office of Communications and Marketing Services as a student graphic designer. She also was employed at Old Navy. Between the two jobs, Olivas worked 25 hours a week in addition to carrying a full course load. An excellent student, she currently holds a 3.9 GPA.

To date, one of her most influential professors is Peter Fine from the Department of Art.

"Peter began teaching last fall and he has already made a significant impact on the art department and the design students," Olivas says. "He has a true commitment to design and its effect on the environment. In class he challenged me and helped me tap into potential I didn't even know I had. I'm looking forward to learning from him in the future."

For fun, Olivas likes to play volleyball and basketball, read and make ceramic objects.