Students
A first-year student, Lizette Porras entered New Mexico State University knowing that she wanted to become a veterinarian. She arrived here on the advice of her high school counselor at Santa Teresa High School in Santa Teresa, N.M., who pointed her to NMSU because of the university’s strong pre-professional programs and ability to place its graduates in professional schools. As a pre-veterinary medicine major, Lizette spends much of her time in the animal and range sciences department where she will be taking a considerable amount of coursework and be advised by animal science faculty.
For the moment, though, Porras is more concerned with successfully navigating her first year and balancing her classroom demands with a job and having a life. A National Hispanic Scholar, Porras was awarded a President’s Associates Scholarship by the Honors College, a scholarship awarded to new entering freshmen – enrolling directly out of high school – who have demonstrated superior academic ability. But rather than rest easy, Porras also keeps a part-time job, working for a local veterinarian, allowing her to work in her chosen field.
The salutatorian for her high school class, Porras also kept busy as a cheerleader and an all-state choir member. Now – for the moment – she has understandably slacked off on singing and extensive participation in outside activities. But she does plan to join the NMSU Pre-Vet Club, an organization for students interested in the veterinary profession. If time permits, there are always other student organizations, such as the NMSU Choirs, where Lizette can once again exercise her singing voice.