Mark Velasquez, 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 Mark, it's important to contribute to the futures of fellow math and science students at UNT.

"At fourteen years old, I passed the Board of Review to earn my Eagle Scout rank. One of the greatest practices I've learned and habituated in my life would have to be 'leaving something better than when I found it,'" said Mark. "Year after year, students begin their college career with some sort of self-doubt: 'Will I afford college?' 'What if people don't like me?' 'Will I even belong?' Having my own self-doubts, I wanted to set an example for students to support one another the same way I received support from my peers and advisors as a first-year college student."

Mark, who will be graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Rehabilitation Studies, grew up in Plano, Texas and chose UNT because it was not too far from his hometown and had the resources he needed to foster and develop his academic and career goals. Since attending UNT, he has proudly been a part of The Medically Dedicated Students Organization (MDSO) and the Filipino Student Association (FSA).

"Through both of these organizations, I have been surrounded by unique individuals who wanted to be a part of a community and enjoy their college experience, he said. "In FSA, I participated in intramural basketball where I got to play at the collegiate level for the first time. In MDSO, I served terms as Vice President and President where I invited notable guest speakers in the medical community and shared volunteering opportunities for students."

Mark is also a student in the Honors College where he became eligible to take honor level courses and found ways to engage in student-led communities.

"One of the most important things I have learned at UNT is that I make and decide my own experiences," Mark said. "UNT is full of opportunities for students which enabled me to see my full potential. Getting involved, meeting new people, and connecting communities has enhanced my college experience by getting to understand perspectives other than my own."

Mark's goals after graduation include furthering his education in medicine and business administration by earning MD/MBA degrees. "I have a primary interest in Orthopedic Surgery and Physical Rehabilitation fields of medicine where I would start my own private practice here in Texas and pursue other entrepreneurial ventures," he said.

In his spare time, Mark has been making Youtube videos capturing his experiences as a college student at UNT which received thousands of views from incoming transfer and first-year students. Watch them on his channel at https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM70EX8lQ8ojnkYYhHUXBhA

You can give back via Students Helping Students at: https://cos.unt.edu/shs