UNT’s Spring 2023 graduates share their inspiring stories of triumph

POSTED ON May 18, 2023

The University of North Texas (UNT) has some amazing success stories from their students that are truly inspiring and can motivate others. Mario Silva is one of the outstanding students who overcame challenges to become this semester’s “Great Grads” at UNT.

Mario’s parents immigrated from El Salvador and raised their family in a south Dallas trailer park. Mario’s father worked long hours while his mother stayed home to take care of him and his siblings. Through their hard work and dedication, the family was able to move into a home in Irving.

As a senior in high school, Mario started working at an animal clinic every afternoon. He then increased his working hours to 35 a week while attending college full-time. Mario paid for his entire college education, except for a few scholarships, without taking out any student loans.

Mario is the second in his family to attend college after his older brother Kevin, who majored in Physics at UNT. Mario chose UNT due to its strong science program and the Teach North Texas program. Though he had never considered teaching before, he found the opportunity to graduate with a bachelor’s degree and a teaching certificate too good to pass up.

Mario hopes to enter the classroom as a high school chemistry teacher and continue supporting himself and his parents. He is also considering pursuing a master’s degree in either chemistry or education to advance his career.

Mario credits UNT for being an accessible and affordable option for people like him to achieve what they want. He encourages incoming freshmen to reflect on what they are willing to sacrifice to achieve their goals, as drive is everything in college. Click here to read more about Great Grads: Spring 2023.

Lauren Magdalena Byard, a second-generation college student, is pursuing a Bachelor of Business Administration in Marketing with a Professional Selling concentration with the support of her parents, siblings, and grandparents.

Lauren’s friendly personality and high GPA have helped her secure various desirable roles, including the first freshman elected as Vice President of Recruitment for UNT’s Alpha Phi sorority, working for major companies such as Intuit and the Dallas Cowboys, and receiving a prestigious position in the Disney Leadership Institute and Disney College Program.

During her time at UNT, Lauren served as VP of Recruitment and then VP of Marketing for Alpha Phi, where she developed her leadership and organizational skills by coordinating events for the organization.

Lauren describes her six months at the Disney College Program as a life-changing experience. Although she worked as a custodian, the position taught her the significance of paying attention to everyone and acknowledging those behind the scenes.

After graduating, Lauren plans to pursue her Master’s in Sports Entertainment Management at UNT. She praises the professors at UNT, who she believes truly care and have challenged her to become a stronger individual.

Lauren’s ultimate goal is to work full-time for the Dallas Cowboys. She previously worked as an event promotions team member during home games, facilitating intermission games and helping with pregame activities.

Lauren’s advice for incoming freshmen is to start early, connect with people, create a LinkedIn account, and join clubs and organizations. Click here to read more about Great Grads: Spring 2023.

Opal Lee, a 96-year-old retired teacher, counselor, and activist, was also awarded an honorary doctorate degree from the University of North Texas during their spring commencement. Lee graduated from UNT in 1963 with a Master of Education degree.

Lee is a leading figure in the movement to make Juneteenth a federally-recognized holiday and is often referred to as the “grandmother of Juneteenth”. Her efforts were recognized by President Joe Biden during the signing of Senate Bill S. 475, making Juneteenth the eleventh federal holiday on June 17, 2021.

Mario Silva, a #UNTGreatGrad and @UNTScience student, learned early what hard work and sacrifice can yield – an experience that inspired him to pursue an education that would help him grow into the goal-oriented person he is today. Read Mario’s story: https://t.co/cZM4UjcvtI pic.twitter.com/II7wdolKug

— University of North Texas (@UNTsocial) May 13, 2023