Meet Areli Sanchez, who is graduating in December 2021 with a degree in biology from the University of North Texas. As a pre-med student, Areli's goals after graduation are to study for the MCAT and gain clinical hours and experience so she can apply to medical school.

"The most rewarding thing about my time at UNT was growing as a person and getting to meet people who I will be friends with for a lifetime and mentors who will be able to help and encourage me in my career," said Areli.

Areli said she was grateful to COS academic advisors like Brandy Ellis and Chelsea Bassett who helped ensure she took the right classes to graduate early. She also cited Dr. Petros as an outstanding faculty member who helped her be successful in difficult classes like organic chemistry so she didn't give up on her pre-med dreams.

As a student from a low-income background, Areli needed financial aid to pay for school, and UNT was able to provide scholarships that helped support her education. In the spirit of giving back, Areli recently participated in the College of Science's Students Helping Students campaign, which allows graduating seniors to receive a philanthropy graduation cord by making a donation of $20.21 to a fund that will help fellow students following in their footsteps.

"It is important to me to give back via the Students Helping Students campaign because one day we were in their spot and we need to help those that come after us," she said.

Areli has been an active member of the student body on campus, participating in some of the many organizations UNT has to offer, including the Student Alumni Association, where she served as the Director of Homecoming and Alumni Events.

"I have especially enjoyed being part of a student ministry named Campus Outreach, where I met some of my closest friends," she said. "I also enjoyed being part of the Minority Association of pre-medical students where I met like-minded people who want to go into the medical field, as well as doctors who gave me advice on my journey."

Areli learned a lot during her time at UNT, and looks forward to using her newfound knowledge to navigate the adventures ahead. "I have learned that hard work is important, that I am capable of doing a lot, and that I should not back down from opportunities for feeling unqualified," she said. "There will be a lot of changes in life and that is normal. It does not make you a failure, it means you are growing."