It was with great enthusiasm that I came to SMU to continue my studies in the fall of 2007. Being a student here, I was able to enjoy the accessibility of the professors, the fantastic resources here on campus, the smoothies with energy boost over at Hughes-Trigg to keep me studying those long nights and definitely the music in my car while driving around to find a parking spot somewhere on campus 10 minutes before class.

I can say so far those have been the best memories I’ve had as an SMU student and was hoping to create more.

On the 2008 Princeton Review Web site, this is what students had to say about SMU thus far: “The typical SMU student is described largely as “upper- class, white, and wealthy – though looks can be deceiving.”

That said, many note that SMU could use “more diversity” and, “Atypical students can feel left out.” Another student claims that the school has “a huge mix of students” though “you have to look hard.”

During my previous college experience, it wasn’t so hard to find friends at all. If you liked purple cows and had pink hair, you’d find 10 people who enjoyed the same thing. My question is why is it so hard for a “typical SMU student” to say hello to a “non-typical SMU student”? Is there a difference? I mean, we are all here to get a great education from one of the top universities in the south and in the country. We all came here to be successful both in and out of the classroom. How hard is it to step out of this invisible wall and make friends or strike up a conversation in Hughes-Trigg, after class or to invite someone sitting alone to join you at lunch?

I will also say that in terms of involvement with organizations, I have joined a very well-known organization on campus, and even in this group, the air of my being an outsider still exists.

So in writing this letter, I will say that I am considering a transfer to another university that offers more of a university experience. I hope the students here on campus accept my challenge to change the outlook and stereotype of “an SMU student” in this community and open the doors to friendship.

Macy Cardenas