Your support positively impacts students

Matt Mendoza

"Money can only take you so far, but having an education will take you further."

Matt, a first-generation college student from San Antonio, hopes to one day earn his Ph.D. in neuroscience. He studies biology and devotes his free time to Greek life, serving as vice president of his fraternity, Delta Sigma Phi. The same determination he uses to excel in school, he applies to lead his chapter.

Matt lost his mother during his sophomore year, and has since overcome many obstacles to stay at UNT. He remains focused on his studies and seizes opportunities to experience a full college life. He is committed to completing his education, and is proud to be able to set an example for future generations in his family.

Meeting financial obligations to pursue his education has been a challenge. He has worked up to three jobs and relies on government grants and student loans to cover expenses.

Education is something Matt says he'll never take for granted. It's an idea he feels so passionately about that he would like to speak with high school students in hopes of inspiring them to not give up on their academic dreams.

Megan Phelan

"Students today are dreaming about the same things that others dreamt years ago, and it's important to pass on the opportunity so that others can grow."

After moving to the DFW area as a high school freshman, Megan found comfort in theatre, writing and school. She always knew she wanted to go to college, and when she saw UNT's campus, she said, "It was love at first sight."

One of Megan's proudest accomplishments is becoming financially independent. With a few years of practice, she learned to navigate the sometimes daunting FAFSA process, and she looks forward to helping her younger sister when the time comes. She balances the loans she's had to take on every year by working hard to secure scholarships.

Megan is proud to be on the Dean's List, an accomplishment resulting from her strong work ethic and commitment to personal excellence.

To help pay for expenses, she works as a student caller for the Call Mean Green phonathon. The experience in the program has taught her the difference that every donation makes in a student's life.

As a Radio, Television and Film major, Megan Phelan hopes to one day offer 22-minute therapy sessions in the form of comedic television sitcoms.

Constance Mutong

"You have to go and get what you want. You can't expect people to help you unless you put forth the initiative and show that you are deserving of their support."

Constance was always sure she wanted to go to college, but realized there would be financial obstacles to overcome in order to pursue her education. She remembers crying when her high school counselor recommended community college.

"I knew that I was capable of so much more than what I was able to afford, but I also knew that my parents weren't financially capable of sending me to school," Constance says.

While seeking other options, she came across UNT, and was instantly impressed with its psychology department—and even more so when she discovered the affordable tuition. To support her education, Constance worked part-time on campus and relied on grants.

After graduation, Constance plans to pursue certification as a licensed chemical dependency counselor. Once certified, she will intern at a rehabilitation facility to learn more about helping those struggling with addiction.