Mona - Master's in Criminal Justice
Maya - Bachelor's in Political Science

Mona Isola is no stranger to the grit and determination needed to earn a master's degree in Criminal Justice while working full-time and supporting her family, including daughter Maya who is also graduating with her bachelor's degree in Political Science.

Mona and Maya agree that they want to use their educations to make the world a better place, choosing majors where they can directly effect change.

Born in Kuwait to parents who fled the West Bank as refugees, Mona graduated high school in 1988 but was unable to attend college there because of her family's political status.

"I feel proud as a Palestinian refugee born in exile to refugee parents, who were not educated and grew up in a village in Jenin, to get my master's degree," Mona says. "I wish they were still alive so they can see their child's accomplishments and their granddaughter's, as well. I'm the only sibling among nine to receive a master's degree."

She arrived in the United States in 1999 and eventually got a job as a substitute teacher, then working with students with disabilities. After a lot of encouragement from a friend, she enrolled in North Central Texas College and earned her associate degree.

"I was like, 'OK, that's a great. Mission accomplished,'" Mona says. "But education turned out to be addicting. I got my bachelor's degree in International Studies and Human Development."

She struggled to find a job while working on her bachelor's degree at UNT but eventually found a position as a non-emergency call taker with Denton Police Department, where she saw a different side of the criminal justice system.

"I wanted to make a change," Mona says. "During my studies, I've learned so many stories about how our criminal justice system is unfair to people with ethnic backgrounds or low economic status. I can make things better because there are good police officers out there. People just don't trust the police, and it's a big, big issue in our society. I'm hoping I can make a change. I can make a difference."

Mona wants to work as a community liaison with police, improving the relationships between citizens and their local officers.

Maya hopes to attend law school on the west coast -- UCLA is her dream school -- where she can focus on civil rights and law. She decided to focus on political science for her undergraduate work to better understand the current political culture.

"I am very interested in the political environment we are currently in," Maya says. "I come from a Palestinian background, and my mother immigrated to this country to gain better opportunities. I have known since high school that being a lawyer is the career I want to pursue, because it allows me to help those who seek justice. I want to be a voice for the voiceless and create change in our society. I am one step closer to achieving that, as the next step is law school."

Mona hopes her accomplishments inspire her children, Maya, and her brother Frank, to follow their dreams.

"I am so proud of my daughter and her accomplishments. I have to probably be proud of myself because it was a slow, hard journey," Mona says. "Maya has a way to go, but I know she is driven. She's smart, and she'll do great things."

Maya says she's proudest of when she and four other students co-founded an organization on campus called Students for Equity. Before the group became a formal organization, she and friend Tara Olson worked to show allyship and support to the LGBTQ community on campus. Students for Equity holds events like a recent conflict negotiation course, often supported by faculty from the political science department.

"I think those would be my proudest moments," Maya says. "I want to build the community in UNT and make everybody -- no matter where you come from or your background -- feel safe on campus and be able to coexist."

Mona is most proud of her academic accomplishments -- maintaining a 4.0 GPA and earning a spot on the President's and Dean's Lists -- and her "crazy" relationships with the campus squirrels.

"I'm looking at the crazy squirrel lady stage," Mona says. "I leave water for them all the time. I buy organic nuts for them."

Maya says political science instructors Kimi King and Wendy Watson were inspirations for her, as well as Vice President for Inclusion, Diversity, Equity and Access Joanne Woodard.

"Vice President Woodard is amazing and has given me a lot of insight," Maya says. "She's always open to have a conversation and is just as passionate about making the community on campus better."

Mona credits Criminal Justice professors Jody Sundt and Haley Zettler for inspiring her, offering incredible experiences and insights into what has worked elsewhere and what hasn't, and History professor Nancy Stockdale for reinforcing in her mind how education can change people's views on the world.

"I was surprised that Dr. Stockdale actually taught the history of Palestine, which is where I am from," Mona says. "I took two classes with her, and the students didn't know anything about my homeland. They didn't know anything about the conflict, and she taught it in a very unbiased way."

Mother and daughter agree that for new students, the best advice they can give is to get involved and find community.

"You'll find your place," Maya said. "You'll find an organization that fits. Take advantage of the events that happen on campus. Know that your professors are there for you."

Mona added, "It's a huge campus. It's going to be overwhelming at first. The instructors are amazing. They're accommodating and they will help you. It's going to be tough. As you get used to it, things will be better. And of course, get a lot of sleep. Take care of your mental health because not only is physical health important, but mental health is also extremely important."

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