Kaitlyn Bigham chose Eastern New Mexico University for the “affordable tuition” and “quality of education.”

She was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and raised in Crestview, Florida, with her older brother. Her father was in the Air Force, so their family moved often.

The senior early childhood education major graduated from V. Sue Cleveland High School in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, in 2012.

Throughout high school her teachers suggested ENMU because “the education program was the best in the state.”

She decided Eastern was right for her after an insightful campus tour.

“Everyone was so friendly and took time to answer all my questions. It was a completely different environment from the other colleges I had looked at. There is a sense of family and support on this campus, and that meant a lot to me,” she said.

Her father, stationed at Kirkland Air Force Base for her high school career, was assigned to Cannon Air Force Base near ENMU as she began college. She has been “fortunate enough to live with her parents,” who live in Portales.

Kaitlyn will graduate with her bachelor’s degree in July 2017 and aims to earn her master’s degree shortly after.

She received the outstanding senior of the year award in early childhood education in spring 2016. She has also been a student senator in A.S.E.N.M.U. for three years, representing the College of Education and Technology and worked as a Safe Ride driver and director.

Her favorite part of the college experience has been the opportunities her advisor has presented. Kaitlyn is excited about conducting research, something she never thought she’d enjoy.

“I have started a research project which I plan to continue working on, and I have presented my research at two conferences,” she said.

She feels prepared for the classroom because of the resources Eastern has provided.

“This is one of the few college programs that has a child development center on campus for me to actively work with children to develop classroom management skills and appropriate lesson plans. For many other job applicants, it would be their first time in a classroom, while I will have a full year’s experience,” she said.

In her free time, she enjoys baking, reading, drawing, building things and watching the news.

Ultimately, Kaitlyn would like to attain her doctorate’s degree, become a principal and possibly open her own school. She also hopes to teach childhood education courses at the university level.

Working with children has affirmed her passion for her major.

“There is nothing more rewarding to me than teaching a child and seeing their face light up with joy and excitement as they suddenly get what you’re teaching them,” she said.

She also hopes to volunteer and give back to her local community wherever she ends up.

Kaitlyn recommends ENMU to future students because “the faculty and staff here truly do care about student success.

“Everyone here goes above and beyond to help students.”