Dulce Ortiz is a UNT College of Science student who will be graduating this spring with a major in biology and a minor in chemistry. As a first-generation college student, Dulce wasn't sure where she wanted to go to college, but she knew UNT was the right choice once she attended orientation: "It felt like home away from home."

As a graduating senior, Dulce recently participated in the Students Helping Students campaign, which allows students to receive a philanthropy graduation cord by making a donation of $20.22 to a fund that will help fellow students following in their footsteps.

"Growing up I put a high emphasis on education, something that I have taught my siblings to do. I would read for hours on end and wanted to know everything," said Dulce. "I value education and I value my time at UNT. The Students Helping Students campaign is a way for me to give back. Giving back to students like me that are just eager to learn, to succeed."

Dulce hopes to one day be a dentist and continue to give back to the community. In her free time, she tutors and mentors high school students. One of the most rewarding aspects of her time at UNT was learning how to be a role model.

"As a first-gen student not only do I feel I need to succeed I feel that I have to help others succeed too," she said. "I had very little guidance and it has been an upward battle, but if I can help others not go through the same struggles, I will."

During her time at UNT, Dulce was a part of many student organizations, including Folxlorico, the Hispanic Student Association, and the Pre-Dental Society.

"I wanted to make the most out of my time at UNT and joined orgs that aligned with my interests and with who I am," she said. "Being a part of them helped me feel a sense of community and make friends with similar backgrounds or interests."

She said her biggest challenge in college was learning when to admit she needed help.

"It's difficult advocating for yourself when you already feel that you're miles behind your peers and view your professors as intimidating. The first time I decided to ask for help I had to give myself a pep talk that it was okay to ask for help. While taking pharmacology I was given the opportunity to voice my opinion and my professor was able to understand where I was coming from and that for me was a turning point."

Dulce's mentors are UNT professors in both biology and chemistry, and her dentist. "They have always pushed me to do my best. Their passion for the sciences continues to motivate and inspire me daily," she said. "There have been times I doubt myself and feel that I am struggling to understand a concept and they are always there to help."

Her advice to future students is this, "Enjoy being a student! You're only young for so long. That doesn't mean partying every day and cramming the night before an exam. It just means learning to prioritize and schedule. Learn to plan ahead."

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