Angel Aragon chose Eastern New Mexico University for its short distance from family and friends and its low cost.

The psychology major and graphic design minor will graduate in December 2017 and takes all of her classes on campus.

Angel was born and raised in Clovis, New Mexico, with her older brother, and graduated from Clovis High School. Her mom stayed home while her dad worked as a top level transmission technician.

She remembers going on picnics with her grandma and hanging out with her cousins often during her childhood.

After high school, she attended ENMU because it was close to home. She adores the friendly atmosphere ENMU offers.

“Almost everyone I’ve came across has been nice, thoughtful and considerate,” she said.

She recommends ENMU because of the amiable campus.

“Everyone is nice, the campus is beautiful and the small classes have great content,” said the 21-year-old.

Angel has been on the Dean’s List for three semesters, won two rounds of Command X—a graphic design competition—and was secretary of psychology organization Psyched In! for a year.

She loves photography, reading, playing video games and watching Netflix. She appreciates the moments she spends with her fiancé, Nathan, and her dog, Trixie.

The 21-year-old hopes to earn her master’s in counseling and become a youth pastor someday. She dreams of saying “I do” to the love of her life this summer and wants to have kids and travel the world.

Her spirituality motivates her to overcome challenges.

“If I did not have faith as a foundation to build my life on, I would not have anything,” she said.

Angel advises future students to “push toward your goals.”

Her experience at Eastern has given her many unexpected opportunities that will benefit her future career, including freelancing in design and photography. She expects her degree will help her achieve her ultimate goal of becoming a counselor and youth pastor.