UNT's quintuplets -- the first and only quintuplets on campus -- have done a lot at the university since they started as freshmen two years ago. The siblings, Maria, Emilio, John, George and Enna Diaz, made history in 2014 when they enrolled at UNT, choosing to go to the same school and even live in the same dorm.
Since then, the siblings have lived on- and off-campus, joined and become leaders in campus organizations and even changed majors.
When they started at UNT, the three brothers each chose to major in different areas of business, with John focusing on finance and George electing to study logistics. But after his freshman year, Emilio decided to switch from marketing to converged broadcast media when he realized he wants to become a radio broadcaster.
"When I was young I would always listen to the radio on my way to school," Emilio says. "I figured I might as well go into converged broadcast media and become a radio broadcaster."
Maria is the artsy sibling and studies interdisciplinary art and design while Enna is studying pre-medicine and biology. Enna says that she came to UNT because she wanted to combine her interests in science and medicine.
"I was able to shadow my cousin, who is a doctor in Mexico, and I had the feeling that this is something I'm meant to do," Enna says.
The siblings still enjoy spending time together at places such as the Downtown Denton Square and Willis Library, which they, like many students, dub "Club Willis." They all agree that they like UNT because of its diverse and friendly atmosphere.
"Denton has really great community and diversity," John says. "There are activities for everyone, whether it be events in the library mall or intramurals."
George echoes John's thoughts about the campus, saying that when he first applied to UNT, he didn't realize the university had so many resources to offer. Professor office hours, learning centers and the volunteer opportunities available to students have helped him and his siblings integrate into college life.
"There are so many things on campus that have helped me out, and I'm sure my siblings too," he says.
One of the resources on campus that the quints have come to appreciate, especially Maria, is the Catholic Campus Center.
"It's within walking distance, so I don't have to drive to get spiritual advice," Maria says. "I think it's really nice that there are people around your age who are the same religion so you have people to talk to and grow in your faith with."
The siblings are part of an organization on campus called Best Buddies, whose members work to build relationships with adults who have intellectual and physical disabilities. They were inspired to join because of their little brother Sebastian, who has Down syndrome. Maria is president of the organization.
While they still have a few years before they graduate, the quints hope to use the rest of their time at UNT to continue to expand their opportunities and prepare for successful careers. Some are applying for internships while others want to obtain leadership positions in organizations.
"I'd like to do lab research for UNT," Enna says. "The research is mentored by professors, so I think it would be really cool to get that kind of experience."
As far as future plans, most of the siblings just want to find a job. Enna hopes to take a gap year and complete a Rotary master's degree and then go to med school, while Emilio wants to work at a radio station. Maria's goal is to work at an advertising agency in Dallas and one day earn her master's degree in art therapy.
"I think it's great that UNT does things like host career fairs," George says. "I've gotten call-backs already as a junior for jobs in my major, so UNT has really helped me out."
Follow the Diaz quintuplets' journey as UNT students from their arrival on campus as freshmen and their second year.
