Taking charge seems to come naturally to Asya Pitre. The youngest of six siblings, she grew up taking care of her mother who struggled with health issues throughout Asya's childhood. But she wanted to make a difference beyond her family or even her hometown of Houston.
"I grew up caring for my mother, but I knew I needed to pursue higher education to help with the best of my ability," says Asya. "I plan to attend medical school to become a primary care physician and serve underserved communities across the nation and eventually around the world."
Wanting to serve the greater community, Asya came to UNT to prepare for medical school and says that one of the things that drew her to the university was the diversity she saw.
"I love seeing others that look like me around campus," says Asya.
In addition to the diversity she loves, the financial resources that have helped support her brought her to UNT. Asya is an Emerald Eagle Scholar. But it isn't that assistance alone that has sustained Asya. She has found support in a number of individuals, including her microbiology professor Hyunju Kim and her pre-health advisor Todd Lang, who helped her succeed academically and personally during Asya's time at UNT.
"They have gone above and beyond for me," says Asya. "I really appreciate all that they have done."
Asya is paying forward some of that support by helping others and says she is most proud of the leaders in the organization she brought to UNT. Struggling to find an organization she was excited to be a part of, Asya founded the UNT chapter of Changing Health Attitudes and Action to Recreate Girls (CHAARG), a national student organization that empowers women through health and fitness.
"I knew many other UNT students would also love and thrive in this organization," says Asya, current vice president for media of the local chapter, which helps members learn healthy habits and brings balance to their lives during college. "I'm proud of the CHAARG executive team. They have worked hard during a pandemic to ensure our members could have the CHAARG experience virtually. I'm excited to see this chapter grow and reach more people."
Finding balance between work and personal life is important to Asya's success. She is graduating a semester early, with honors. Last fall, she worked as a laboratory assistant in her microbiology class and was one of the few student volunteers chosen to work at the Denton Community Health Clinic, which gave her direct patient contact, something that certainly has helped prepare her for her future career.
Even after the pandemic hit, she accompanied Dr. Filippo Masciarelli of the Denton Community Health Clinic in seeing patients at Our Daily Bread, a community organization serving Denton's homeless and at-risk population.
Asya says that balance has been a challenge in the new environment of online classes and social distancing.
"It's been hard not to burn out when I can work all day and night," says Asya. "But I've been making sure I take time for myself throughout the week."
Asya advises incoming freshmen to do the same and be a part of something bigger than themselves.
"Get involved. Find an organization that will foster personal development, and stick with it," Asya encourages. "School can be tough, especially when all you do is study. Find that balance."