ENMU taught alumn responsibility

The leadership skills Si Trujillo developed as an Eastern New Mexico University dormitory director are helping him run his business in Denver.

A recent ENMU graduate from Raton and the 25-year-old business owner, Trujillo says his experience as Eddy Hall director taught him the importance of responsibilities, among other things.

"Working in housing really helped, I learned discipline, it's not always about fun," Trujillo said. "Sometimes you have to stay in and get your work done."

After receiving his master's degree in business in May, Trujillo moved to Denver to start his business, Horizon Business Consultants (HBC).

"I consult out to small to medium-sized companies in the oil and natural gas field," Trujillo said.

Services he offers include auditing and accounting.

"I help them cut costs and become more efficient," he said.

Trujillo has had a strong work ethic because he said he's had to work his way through college. He's worked for ENMU housing since he was a sophomore.

"I was an RA (resident assistant) and an assistant hall director in Bernalillo Hall," Trujillo said. "The last two years I was the Eddy Hall director."

He said being a dormitory director made him reliable and was glad to be the person students could turn to for help.

He was thankful to Steve Estock, former director of housing for giving him a chance.

"He worked with me, he gave me a place to live," Trujillo said. "It's just gratitude."

He also served on the appeals board for ENMU police, getting to hear the cases of students when they challenged a ticket.

In 2010, Trujillo was chosen by his peers to receive the Student Leader of the Year Award at ENMU.

Now as a young business owner, his social life has changed immensely.

"It's definitely interesting, I work a lot," Trujillo said. "A lot of 13-hour days. I have no social life."

He says he'll always hold a soft spot for ENMU and Portales.

"I miss the people and of course my friends," Trujillo said.

He misses attending ENMU football and soccer games as well as hanging out in the dorm.

Trujillo says he often thinks of classmates John Ellis and Jian Zheng for helping him out in accounting and being great study partners.

He says he's especially grateful for a group of retired professors from ENMU who helped him with expenses including books and student fees.

He hopes to in turn hire other ENMU alumni as his business grows.

Justin Calder, a senior mathematics major from Lovington, said Trujillo has been a good friend and positive influence.

Calder was a resident assistant under Trujillo and is now a dorm director.

"I always felt confident in him, I always felt secure in my job and knowing I could go to him if I need anything," Calder said. "He taught me a lot of patience and understanding and to hear what students to tell you and see things from their point of view."