New Mexico State University, Department of English

Reviewer's Name:

Davo

Review Date

April 25, 2009

Year of Graduation:

2010

Review Title:

Desert, Epiphany, Lust

Full Review of the Program:

There are so many different criteria for a good writing program: Are the teachers strongly qualified? Is the cost of living in the area reasonable? How much will I have to write? And, what kind of “tail” can I expect to get from men or women, both the locals and the other students? All right, just kidding on that last count (the answer is plenty). The teachers here are magnificent and open minded; dedicated and professional. My understanding of fiction and poetry both have gone through the roof since I arrived at NMSU. That's the quality I might emphasize: In addition to the instruction in my native genre of fiction, with the magnificent focus on craft, and love of the game, I’ve experienced an above-average ability to cross over into poetry. They make it accessible like that. There is a low cost of living, which is great, and if you’re inspired by not freezing your socks off, well, the temperature is clement all year 'round. You would have to move to the Equator to find nicer weather than that of Las Cruces. The program is great, with all of its classes. Discover yourself, tap into new pathos.

Advice to Prospective Students:

Don't miss Soledad, if you like to hike, or Dripping Springs. Ask about stickball in the Summer and Spring. Prepare yourself, every second, to be assaulted with excellent reading suggestions.