Cristina Reyna: Making the most of every opportunity

When she visits with students to recruit for UNT, she cups her hands in front of them, demonstrating the world of opportunity available with an education. She tells them it is their choice to take advantage of everything that comes their way. This admissions counselor practices what she preaches.

At only 22 years old, Cristina Reyna has made the most of every opportunity that has crossed her path.

After competing as one of 18 finalists from the United States and Mexico in the J.C. Penney Hispanic Designers Model Search, Reyna had an opportunity to attend the National Hispanic Designers Gala in Washington, D.C. She was inspired by meeting various national leaders and made time to take a tour of the White House during her short visit.

The 2000 graduate of UNT loves to dance. She says she picked up swing and salsa dancing about two years ago as a student.

"I love to salsa dance," Reyna says. "I love everything about it - the music, the culture, everything. It really brings balance to my life."

Reyna, whose favorite local band is the Havana Boys, generally salsa dances a couple of times a week. She has won several contests in Dallas, and last year she performed during the half-time show of a Dallas Mavericks game.

In addition, Reyna is a leader in both the Denton and UNT communities. She organized a group of 75 students from UNT to participate in an annual walk for multiple sclerosis, and she initiated the 'Ashley's Angels' penny drive, through which she raised almost $2,000 for a Colleyville girl who suffers from leukemia. She also mentors a sixth-grade 'at-risk' student in Denton.

"My hope is to inspire and empower others to believe in themselves...to plant a seed of hope that will make a difference in their lives," Reyna says.

BY JENNY McCORMACK paiswri2@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue:

• Retired football coach Gene Stallings joins UNT as athletics consultant
• Updates from the president
• Campus construction continues
• Physics professor works to improve accuracy
• Weather closing information
• New state rep speaks at Fall 2000 commencement
• Two TAMS students have promising year ahead
• UNT beats SECC $100,000-goal by $28,172
• Network set to accommodate students

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