22 Feb 2013
Staff Writer
Michael Wood
Intern
Sociology junior Irae Yoo sets a standard of success for college students across the nation.
In addition to the 15 credit hours she takes for her major and her part-time job at the Pohl Recreation Center, she is involved in eight different university organizations and a leader in several of them.
The balance of Yoo’s school work and extracurricular activities, as well as its sheer volume and diversity, have earned her a nomination for the prestigious Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges award given each spring. It recognizes students who succeed outside the classroom as well as in their studies. The winner of this nationwide honor receives a cash scholarship of up to $5,000.
“I feel like UNT is where I belong,” Yoo said. “I get a lot of enjoyment from the organizations I’m in. Involvement is my hobby.”
The lengthy list of requirements for a Who’s Who nomination can be found on the UNT Division of Student Affairs web page. But in addition to the fundamental criteria, professors and faculty look for subjective evidence of character in the people they choose to nominate.
Yoo is involved with organizations that help people and contribute positively to the UNT community such as the Green Jackets, Talons and the Student Alumni Association.
It was particularly her work with the Alternative Breaks program that prompted Amy Simon, director of the Center for Leadership and Service, to nominate her for Who’s Who.
“She participated in the program last year but this year she is leading volunteers to work with a crisis nursery in St. Louis,” Simon said.
Undergraduate studies staff member Hope Garcia nominated Irae Yoo along with several other students. She appreciates the value of the Who’s Who organization because they reinforce the reality of life outside of college.
“It’s a good representation of what real life is like,” Garcia said. “Being able to juggle many different things at once helps prepare for that.”
The Who’s Who Among Students organization, which distributes the award, was unavailable for comment.
The nominations were closed on Feb. 1, and the winner will be announced in the coming weeks.
