Ashley Hibbs, a UNT pre-med student preparing to graduate in the spring, recently gave to the College of Science's Students Helping Students campaign. The campaign allows students to honor their time at UNT by giving back for those following in their footsteps. To students like Ashley, it's meaningful to contribute to the futures of fellow math and science students at UNT.

"It is important to give back to others because you never know what someone is going through and struggling with," she said. "Without putting others down, I love to give anything I have to those in need while knowing that UNT would offer the same to me if I were ever struggling as well."

Ashley, who will be graduating with an Honors B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Speech & Hearing Sciences, said the most rewarding aspect of her time at UNT was getting through college by surpassing every obstacle that could have been in her way, including a genetic physical disability and the COVID pandemic. She had to have four hip surgeries during her time at UNT, and recovered while still managing her studies.

"Going from a normal college experience to a complete 180 to the online COVID world, in the midst of going through health issues, I still managed to get through school in the honors college in four years, which I am extremely proud of," she said. "Graduating college will definitely be my biggest accomplishment when it comes in May."

Ashley is very involved in the Alpha Phi sorority, Panhellenic Council, as well as the Honors College here at UNT. "Greek Life at UNT is one of the main reasons I got through so many hard times and stayed at UNT," she said. "It is such a welcoming community, and everyone is there for one another."

After graduation, Ashley plans to finish her pre-medical requirements and go to medical school. "Struggling with a physical disability myself, I want to become a doctor that listens to their patients, understands them, and is there for them no matter how large or small I believe their issue is," she said.

Among all the experiences she gathered at UNT, Ashley said the most important thing she learned was to use her voice to speak up for herself and others.

"When I see something that is wrong, to say something. Stand up for myself and other students. Having a genetic physical disability but not always 'looking' disabled, I see a different perspective than others when it comes to being a student on campus," she said. "I am proud that I learned to step out of my shell and stand up for what I believe in and know is right."

Learn more about Students Helping Students and give back today at: https://cos.unt.edu/shs