Long hours of studying and strong resources ensured Heather Valenta's success at UNT.
The Orange Grove native knew actuarial science -- which uses math to assess risk in the insurance industry -- would provide good pay, career stability and low stress. Although she earned a bachelor's degree from West Texas A&M University in general studies, her love for math drew her to UNT for its strong program.
Now the math major is ready to pursue a career in the insurance industry as an actuary -- bolstered by winning the prestigious Outstanding Student in Actuarial Science award last spring.
"The award made me feel really connected to UNT," Valenta says. "It made me feel great to hear (math senior lecturer) Huong Tran tell me how proud she was of me working full time as a waitress at Chili's and going to school as well."
Her first class proved to be one of her favorites -- discrete mathematics with John Quintanilla.
"He really cares for his students and he wants every student to understand what he is teaching in a tough course," she says. "I love that every time I see him in the hallway, he always remembers me and says hello."
Other people and resources were there for her as well. Tran, the director of the actuarial science certificate program, helped with her job hunt. Gamma Iota Sigma, an insurance fraternity, has provided networking opportunities.
The studying won't stop for Valenta. She wants to become a Fellow of the Society of Actuaries, which includes 10 exams that each require 300 hours of studying.
Valenta has already passed the first two actuarial exams on the first try thanks to her UNT education. But she'll most relish the moment when she, walking along with her twin sister Tarah, will receive her degree.
"I know that my highlight will be graduating from this great school in December," she says.