Vivian Elise Lueras likes Eastern New Mexico University because of the opportunities she has received to get ahead.

The 2015 graduate of Los Lunas High School took dual credit classes in high school. The junior is majoring in business administration with an emphasis in hospitality management.

She enjoys taking advantage of ENMU’s summer courses to get further ahead. Vivian will graduate a year earlier than most students her age.

She was born in Gallup but grew up in Los Lunas with her three brothers. Her dad is an engineer for the BNSF Railway and her mom is an Aide de Camp at Los Lunas Elementary School. Her family has always been active–going on vacations, attending sporting events, learning in school and enjoying the time they have together.

“I have lived in the same house that my parents built when my younger brother was born for almost 16 years,” she said.

One thing that stands out about her Eastern experience is the opportunities. She was able to get an internship at age 18 through the College of Business at the Four Seasons Resort and Hotel in Santa Fe, New Mexico.

The second-year student hopes to one day manage a Four Seasons Resort and Hotel and pass her valuable knowledge from Eastern onto her future colleagues.

“I expect my ENMU degree to give me a competitive advantage in hospitality knowledge when applying and competing against others in my degree field,” she said.

Vivian chose Eastern because it was “very welcoming and comforting.” Her older brother, Patrick Lueras, got his degree and ran cross country and track at Eastern. She “fell in love” with the campus while visiting him because of the people, class sizes and personal attention.

While studying business, she has earned the Becky Sharp Endowed Scholarship, made the Dean’s list, and accepted the invitation to join the Delta Mu Delta honor society.

She recommends Eastern to all future students because of the welcoming ambiance of the campus.

“ENMU is home to many students and faculty and no matter where you come from, when you come here, you become part of a family,” she said.

In her free time, she likes to run, cook, watch horror movies and spend time with family. According to Vivian, the love and support from family and friends makes her life feel meaningful.

She would like to start a family of her own one day. She also “wants to travel the world and try various new and interesting restaurants.”