Greeley Tribune - Letter to the Editor

Letter to the Editor
Greeley Tribune
“Product of Greeley”
Greeley has been taking a pretty good hit these days. We’ve heard of the high foreclosure rates, struggling school systems, social conflicts with immigration issues, and constant struggle to keep businesses thriving, but we don’t hear much of one of the strongest businesses and its positive influences in our community, our University! The University of Northern Colorado is showing a new face and really starting to show it colors! I love seeing all the new billboards up in town of “Bringing Education to Life.” But more than just what they are currently doing, what about what they have already done? They have invested in teachers since 1889! Currently the university graduates over 600 teachers each year! Last fall we had a 12% increase in our incoming freshman and anticipate and additional 10% this year. They recently have put up two brand new residence halls that have beautified the campus, Greeley, and student life. What I appreciate most about the University is that it gave me second chance for a better life. I am a product of the school system that is currently under fire. I am a product of this community, and to be more specific, the east and north side. I am a recent graduate of UNC and have a degree in Communications, minor in Sociology and currently working on a Masters in Higher Education. Like me, Greeley has endured a lot, but like me, Greeley has over come a lot. I once heard, “to have a testimony; you must first go through some test.” Well I have a testimony, “I am thankful for the community that has made me who I am today and am honored to be able to give back to it.” And I’m sure I’m not the only one.

Published in the paper - February 25th, 2010