Rio Rancho native has bright future

May 29, 2003

Rio Rancho native has bright future

Ashley Raleigh is a busy University of New Mexico freshman. She not only takes 16 credit hours of college coursework, but he works 30 hours a week at a local hotel tending the front desk and greeting guests.

The Rio Rancho native feels at home in Albuquerque. “I like the area, that’s why I decided to stay,” Raleigh said. “To me it feels like they are more accepting here than a lot of other places. It’s a nice mix of different cultures.”

One of the reasons Raleigh chose UNM was because of the Presidential and Lottery Scholarships. She to maintains a 3.5 GPA or higher in order to stay eligible. Family also had a great deal to do with staying at UNM. “I grew up here, and I realize that other places don’t have quite the mix of stuff that I like,” she said.

Some of the challenges facing Raleigh at UNM are getting used to the fact that college is different from high school.

“You have to start reading on your own, and doing all this outside work,” she said.

Someone who was an inspiration to Raleigh in high school was Mrs. Salimbeni, a humanities teacher in Rio Rancho.

“She loved doing what she was doing,” said Raleigh. “She was teaching because that’s what she lives to do.” Salimbeni also speaks four different languages fluently and that impressed Raleigh. “She is someone that I really respect,” she added.

Her advice to other young students entering UNM is, “don’t pressure yourself into finding what you want to do right away. Keep your options open.”

Even though Raleigh has not chosen a major, she has a good idea of what she likes. “I am really interested in Public Relations,” says the ambitious freshman. She attends the Public Relations Student Society of America meetings on campus whenever she can. She is also the vice president for their A Plus program.

“I love the interaction with people,” said Raleigh adding that she loves to socialize and being part of this organization gives her that opportunity.

She encourages education, because it opens up so many doors.

“If I was just working 40 hours a week, I don’t think I would have the same stimulation and knowledge that I have now,” Raleigh said.

She has her sights set on graduate school and is enthusiastic about continuing her education.
Raleigh would also like to travel after completing her education. Some of the places that she would like to visit are Italy, Asia, Australia and Brazil.

Her hobbies include photography, reading and animals.

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