Students

Jake Bayless, class of '12, is enjoying the desert southwest. This high school valedictorian graduated with a 4.0 grade point average and had his pick of any number of universities. But, a National Hispanic Scholarship and the great reputation of the Creative Media Institute convinced him that he was meant to be an Aggie.

When you're a native of Wichita, Kansas, there's a lot to like about NMSU and its proximity to great year-around recreational spots. His first visit to our campus was in January and he admits that the image of students swimming outdoors in the dead of winter made a lasting impression.

Other factors in his decision included the size of the university. He didn't want to attend an enormous college, knowing that it can be easy to get lost in the numbers. NMSU represented the best of both worlds: personal attention—especially as a member of the Honors College—plus the resources of a large research institution.

Jake also mentions affordability, noting that NMSU offered him the best scholarship package, and “a change in environment” as two other factors in his decision.

When he's not in class, Jake enjoys watching movies, writing, and playing golf.