Preferred Name: Brooklyne McCoy

Major: Anthropology

Hometown: Ennis, TX

Expected Graduation: 2029

Favorite Course: ANTH 2400 - Symbolic Anthropology and the Artistry of Popular Culture. 

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: Not everyone is out to get you.

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? To help people connect with others within the Anthropology department to help them create community within a new environment.

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? Getting a whole box of Olive Garden breadsticks at the Ambassador Social.

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? I plan to use my degree to become a Forensic Anthropologist. 

Preferred Name: Cameren Mitchell

Major: Anthropology

Hometown: Memphis, TN

Expected Graduation: Fall 2027

Favorite Course: ANTH 2400 – AnthroPop: Symbolic Anthropology and the Artistry of Popular Culture

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? I wanted to help make students aware of the department and the opportunities that are available, while also networking within the department of Anthropology and the other departments.

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? Brooklyne taking an entire box of Olive Garden breadsticks from the Ambassador Social Event.

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? I plan to attend graduate school and go on to become a CRM Archaeologist or Environmental Anthropologist.

Preferred Name: Mizneh

Major: Communication Studies

Certificate: Digital Media Studies

Hometown: Plano, TX

Expected Graduation: Spring 2028

Favorite Course: COMM 3010: Communication Perspectives

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: I wish I knew that friendships in college aren’t like high school – you have to put in the work and make an effort.

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? I wanted to get to know prospective/current students and provide information about the Communication Studies program!

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? Late night talks & game nights with my friends!

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? I plan on going into publishing! 

Preferred Name: Madison Meyer

Major: Communication Studies

Minor/Certificates: English/Legal Studies

Hometown: Paris, TX

Expected Graduation: Fall 2026

Favorite Course: COMM 3010: Communication Perspectives

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: Use. Your. Resources. You pay for them anyways! Use the rec center, use the food pantry, use the bus systems!

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? Fall 2025

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? The Homecoming Bonfires! SO fun for everyone! Even if you don't like football, the bonfire is a great time!

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? I would love to go into Public Relations and External Communication for a publishing house!

Preferred Name: Seth Gonzalez

Major: Economics

Hometown: El Paso, TX

Expected Graduation: 2028

Favorite Courses: Data Analysis in Economics, Japanese Popular Culture

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: Help is everywhere!

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? Helping my peers feels great!

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? Meeting both my roommates!

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? I wanna forecast in the entertainment industry.

Preferred Name: Genesis Juarez

Major: English with a concentration in Literature

Minor: Theatre

Hometown: Keller, TX

Expected Graduation: Spring 2027

Favorite Courses: ENGL 4430 – Shakespeare, THEA 4460 — Play Film Writing

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: I wish I knew how involved I could get on campus by putting myself out there. Always remember not to be afraid to fail because failure is another pathway to success.

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? I want to showcase to others my admiration and love for my college, major, and writing.

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? Definitely have to say each time I meet someone new. It brings me so much joy knowing we’ll become closer as the days pass.

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? I would love to become a professor in the future and teach about the joys of reading!

Preferred Name: Bailey Rubio

Major: English

Certificate: Medieval and Renaissance Studies

Hometown: Denton, TX

Expected Graduation: Spring 2028

Favorite Course: ENGL 2321: British Literature

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: Something I wish I knew was that not everything needs to be perfect and that it is ok to make mistakes.

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? I wanted to help other students like me who want to reach out for a helping hand and to grow more in the English department.

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? My favorite memory is First Flight week, it felt like a brand new start for me.

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? I plan to become a High School English teacher with my degree.

Preferred Name: D'Antae Leathers

Major: Game Studies and Design

Minor/Certificates: Japanese Minor, Certificate in Game Design, Certificate in Game Programming

Hometown: Frisco, TX

Expected Graduation: Spring 2028

Favorite Courses: MRTS 3250 — Intro to Game Design, MRTS 3260 — Intro to Level Design

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: Your time is your most valuable resource. Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time. Measure your time in memories made, not minutes spent.

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? I wanted to help others get into Game Design and form new lasting connections between the department and my peers.

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? Making friends at Board Game Club.

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? I wish to develop games that are played and remembered by generations to come.

Preferred Name: Cayley Settle

Major: Game Studies and Design

Hometown: Hillsboro, KS

Expected Graduation: Spring 2027

Favorite Courses: GMSD 3800 Game Production Pipeline, MRTS 3250 Intro to Game Design

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: I wish I had known that it’s okay to not have everything figured out just yet, and that there’s always time to change your mind.

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? I wanted to be able to connect with other students and faculty.

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? Going out to lunch with friends and hanging out around campus.

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? I would love to work at a small game studio, helping to create some really cool games.

Preferred Name: Michael Henry

Major: Geography

Certificates: Water Resources and GIS

Hometown: Flower Mound, TX

Expected Graduation: Spring 2027

Favorite Courses: GEOG 3420 — Biogeography, GEOG 4850 — Intro to Groundwater Hydrology, EADP 4015 — Floodplain Management

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: I wish I had known that office hours is a very valuable resource for succeeding in class and mapping out your future.

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? I enjoy being able to bridge the gap between students and the department and help others in my department find opportunities that work for them​. 

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? Definitely my camping trips with the Geography Student Association.

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? I would like to attend graduate school and continue my research, and maybe work in municipal planning or environmental education.

Preferred Name: Maygan

Major: Geography

Minor/Certificates: Geology minor, Sustainability and Water resources certificates

Hometown: Hondo, TX

Expected Graduation: Fall 2026

Favorite Courses: GEOG 4170: Field Methods and Mapping, GEOL 3020: Historical Geology, and GEOL 3000: Geology of Texas

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: What I wish I had known as a freshman in college is that you do not have to have everything figured out.​

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? I wanted to help and connect with students because the past ambassadors made me feel welcomed and I want to do the same.

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? My favorite memories would probably be all of the days with my friends and the environmental community service events.​

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? I would love to continue my education for a Master’s degree or go into conservation or environmental education.​

Name: Elías Arriola

Major: History

Hometown: Dallas, TX

Expected Graduation: Summer 2027

Favorite Courses: HIST 3700: Texas History, HIST 4882: U.S During the 1960’s, MULB 1812: Marching Band, ENGL 1310: First- year Writing I

Why did you become an ambassador? Because we are a social species who thrive on connections. So, being a transfer, a commuter and a first- generation student, I want others to feel seen in their department.

What is your favorite memory from your time at UNT? My favorite memories here at UNT are when I’m connecting with people. From writing Haikus in my 1960's class, drawing horse stick figures in my EDCI course and long game days for marching band to having conversations with my professors during their office hours, those are the little things I will never forget.

How do you plan to use your degree? I’m still trying to figure that out, and that’s ok. We don’t need to have our whole future figured out, as long as we keep moving forward, that’s enough.

Preferred Name: Avery

Major: History

Certificates: Secondary Teaching, Peace Corps Prep

Hometown: Plano, TX

Expected Graduation: 2029

Favorite Courses: HNRS 1100: The Good Society–Honors College Global Scholars Program, HIST 4066: World War I

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: I wish I had managed my time, not only my classes. Turning assignments in on time is great but not procrastinating saves lots of stress.​

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? I wanted to help new students in transitioning to college and promote the History Department, as it is often a least favorite subject.​

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? The midnight Buc-ee's trips when me and my friends would stay up late studying.​

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? I would love to use my degree & certificates to experience the world in unique ways, teaching the history of it & traveling to assist in different countries.

Preferred Name: Maddie

Majors: History and Anthropology

Certificate: Certificate in Applied Anthropology

Hometown: Fort Worth, TX

Expected Graduation: Fall 2026

Favorite Courses: HIST 3300: Ancient Near East, HIST 4335: Age of Revolutions, ANTH 3300: Peoples and Cultures of the Pacific

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: I wish I knew how important it was to utilize my resources.

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? I became an ambassador because I wanted to continue gaining experience in leadership by helping students connect to the History department at UNT.

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? My favorite memory has been getting to meet new people, and making friends and connections

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? My career goals are to become an archaeologist, and currently I am applying to different grad programs that integrate fieldwork and Research for Fall 2027.

Preferred Name: Charlie Spikes (they/them)

Major: Integrative Studies

Certificate: Trauma Informed Care

Hometown: Haslet, TX

Expected Graduation: Spring 2028

Favorite Courses: COUN 3600 - Therapeutic Play, PHIL 1900 - Philosophy of Art, SOWK 3500 - Human Behavior in the Social Environment I

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: I wish I had known as a freshman in college that experience is the best teacher and learning from mistakes gets easier with practice.

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? To advocate for Integrative Studies as a valid and valuable course of study.

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? My favorite memories at UNT include meeting my best friend in my first college class, followed by every second I’ve spent with them since.

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? I would love to pursue a master’s degree in clinical Mental Health Counseling with a concentration in play therapy.

Preferred Name: Aadrika Mahat

Major: International Studies

Hometown: Kathmandu, Nepal

Expected Graduation: Spring 2028

Favorite Courses: INST 4850: International Studies Seminar, PSCI 4821: International Conflict

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: I wish I knew how getting out of my comfort zone and doing things that scared me would open doors for opportunities I would’ve never imagined. 

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? I wanted to become an ambassador because I wanted to connect and help prospect students know more about the INST program.

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? My favorite memory at UNT is probably the day of bonfire during the Homecoming Week where we watched the fireworks.

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? I plan to use my degree as a foundation for a career in diplomacy, hopefully representing my home country in the international level.

Preferred Name: Danni Durante

Majors: Journalism and English

Minors: Business and Marketing

Hometown: I was born in Pennsylvania, but I currently live in Sherman, TX.

Expected Graduation: Spring 2028, but that's subject to change.

Favorite Courses: Any of the American Sign Language courses and the journalism photography courses.

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: Free time and relaxation is just as important as studying. Giving yourself the time to rest is what gives you concentration.​

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? It's something that puts me out of my usual zone and allows me the opportunities I need to stretch myself further in ways I didn't know I could. ​​

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? Studying abroad in London and having such a vastly different experience in a country that wasn't my own.​​

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? I hope to give a different meaning to telling other people's stories through journalism. I want to give a voice to those who deserve to be heard.

Preferred Name: Aaron Ihrie

Major: Converged Broadcast Media

Minor: German

Hometown: Grosse Pointe Woods, MI

Expected Graduation: Spring 2027

Favorite Course: MRTS 4850: Television News Producing 

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: I wish I knew how important it is to get involved on campus. My involvement changed the course of my academic and professional career. ​

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? I became an ambassador to help students get more involved with the media industry. I am passionate about this department and believe students can be involved with media no matter what their interests are. ​

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? My favorite memory at U.N.T. is NTTV auditions. My best friends and I arrive at eight in the morning and stay until eight at night. ​

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? After this year I plan to become a news reporter/anchor. In the future I would love to work in media management/talent acquisition. 

Preferred Name: Kai Jaime-Poovey

Major: Religion

Minor: Sociology

Hometown: Garland, TX

Expected Graduation: Fall 2027

Favorite Courses: PHIL 3680 - Buddhism, Daoism, & Shintoism, PHIL 3640 - Gender & Christianity, SOCI 3700 - Sociology of Religion

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: I wish I knew that it is okay to ask for help! Especially when it comes to course work. Professors WANT you to come to office hours.

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? The reason I wanted to become an Ambassador is because helping others has always been a passion of mine. As well as connecting students not only to the 
department, but to UNT.   

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? My favorite memory so far is working as a Parent Ambassador for Orientation this past summer! I enjoyed spending time with the Parents of incoming freshman & transfer students.

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? After receiving my undergraduate degree, I plan on pursuing my Masters in Divinity, and becoming a Pastor or a Campus Pastor.

Preferred Name: Corina

Major: Philosophy 

Minor/Certificate: Minor in Criminal Justice, Legal Studies Certificate

Hometown: Denton, TX

Expected Graduation: 2027

Favorite Courses: CJUS 3600: Criminology​, PHIL 3310: Ancient Greek Philosophy ​

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: Take complete advantage of your meal plan. ​

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? I have enjoyed every second of my time in the philosophy department, so I would love to help others connect and grow within it as well! ​

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? All the all-nighters I've had with my sorority sisters at Willis.  ​

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? After graduating, I hope to pursue a master's in public policy!

Preferred Name: Bradley Breece

Major: Political Science

Minor: Conflict and Human Security

Hometown: Vacaville, CA

Expected Graduation: Fall 2027

Favorite Courses: PSCI 3300: Political Research, COMM 2140: Advocacy in Public

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: Professors are not as scary as they seem, reach out, talk to them, and find out how you can get involved. 

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? Our department has a multitude of opportunities that are rarely utilized, I want to connect students with these opportunities. 

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? Halloween Costume Contest in Dr. King's PSCI 2306

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? I plan to pursue a PHD in International Relations, or teach at the secondary level. 

Preferred Name: Raya Edwards

Major: Social Science

Certificates: Legal Studies and Conflict Resolution

Hometown: Compton, CA

Expected Graduation: Spring 2028

Favorite Course: ANTH 3130 - African Anthropology

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: I wish I knew as a Freshman that I don't have to juggle everything on my own and utilize my resources

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? I wanted to become an Ambassador because I remember when I was helped by one and the impact it had.

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? My favorite memory from my time at UNT is going to the UPC events with my roommate and stepping out of my comfort zone by doing things like karaoke. 

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? I plan to go to law school after I earn my degree in California and become licensed to practice. 

Preferred Name: River McFarlane

Major: Sociology

Minors: Psychology, Statistics, Religion

Hometown: McKinney, TX

Expected Graduation: Spring 2028

Favorite Courses: SOCI 1510: Intro to Sociology​, PHIL 3640: Gender & Christianity ​

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: Continue to put yourself in new situations and be open to what life offers you! So much good will come out of it.​

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? I love sociology so much and want to introduce it to others! College is way more fun when you enjoy what you study.​

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? Meeting up with friends on campus last year and hanging out outside when the weather was good.​

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? My plan is to go to graduate school for a PhD in Sociology and conduct my own research.​

Preferred Name: Braden Gibbs 

Major: Technical Communication 

Minor: Content Strategy 

Hometown: Arlington, TX 

Expected Graduation: Spring 2028 

Favorite Courses: TECM 3550 – Content Strategy, TECM 3550 –Digital Media in Technical Communication

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: I wish I had known as a freshman that networking will take you far.

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? I wanted to shed more light on my department and make sure students know that it is an option for those that enjoy it.

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? I'd have to go with the silent disco that UPC hosts every semester.

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? After I complete my bachelor's, I will complete my master's and hopefully move to work in the social media industry.

Preferred Name: Eden Ligon

Major: Technical Communication

Minor/Certificate: English minor, Writing in the Sciences certificate

Hometown: Chapel Hill, NC

Expected Graduation: Spring 2028

Favorite Courses: ENGL 3150: Poetry Writing and TECM 2700: Technical Writing

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: As a freshman, I wish I'd known that it's okay to change your mind, change your major, and explore new pathways for yourself!

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? I became an ambassador to help connect students to the TECM Department so they can find similar opportunities and the sense of belonging that I've found through my program!

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? My favorite memory so far at UNT has been studying poetry abroad in London!

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? I would love to use my degree in a technical writing or UX position while continuing to pursue creative writing.

Preferred Name: Sage

Majors: Spanish and Biochemistry

Hometown: Carrollton, TX

Expected Graduation: Spring 2027

Favorite Courses: ANTH 3110: Indigenous Peoples of North America​, MUJS 3400: Understanding and Appreciating Jazz in U.S. and World History and Culture​, Literatura Maya y Literatura Mexicana (taken during SAB in Mexico!)​

Something I Wish I Knew as a Freshman: It's okay to miss your home, family, friends, etc. on some days then feel free and light on others. Take your emotions as they come. Also, study abroad early!!!​

Why Did You Become an Ambassador? I have loved the Spanish Department and I love Spanish. I want to help people find what excites them and do it!​

What Is Your Favorite Memory From Your Time at UNT? Singing and making music with my choir Mean Dynamics!!!​

How Do You Plan to Use Your Degree? I plan to become a plant geneticist and study natural medicine in the rainforest!​