While a student at UNT, Carlynn Greene ('21) became known as the "Scholarship Guru," a title gained after earning 30 scholarships, allowing her to graduate debt free.

She has since dedicated herself to helping others achieve the same success through social media.

In 2021, she received a grant from LinkedIn and won the TikTok Creator Award for her advocacy efforts on social media. She has also been awarded a business grant from TikTok x MACRO, which will help launch her latest initiative, Edfluential, assisting those who want to create social change while achieving financial sustainability. The grants inspired her to pursue content creation full-time.

"I didn't expect to win," she says. "Despite my accomplishments, I constantly struggle with imposter syndrome. Winning was the most validating moment of my career. These grants have been transformative."

'Believe in Yourself'

Greene started making content on YouTube in 2017, but the algorithm did not promote her content.

"The first media coverage I received came from the North Texas Daily, the UNT news outlet," she explains.

The 2020 article caught the attention of Dionne Anglin ('88), a reporter at Fox 4 in Dallas and a graduate of the Mayborn School of Journalism, who worked to further amplify Greenes's cause.

In addition to increased visibility, Greene adopted a new approach to content creation.

"When I started creating content on YouTube, my videos weren't gaining traction, and I got very few views," she recalls. "But everything changed when I committed to TikTok at the beginning of 2021. I finally found my audience. Now, I make six figures pursuing content creation as a full-time career. So, find your voice, stay consistent, and, as cliché as it may sound, believe in yourself."

Learning the Ropes

Reflecting on her journey, Greene credits much of her success to her time at UNT, where she pursued an undergraduate degree in digital journalism and gained hands-on experience in storytelling, production and communication.

"The lessons I learned and connections I made at UNT continue to influence my work today," she says.

One of the most impactful experiences came from the 8-hour Advanced Writing and Reporting for Broadcast and Web class offered by Professor Brittany McElroy. The course helped Greene develop the confidence and skills she continues to apply in her multifaceted career.

"We rotated roles weekly -- graphics, producer, reporter, anchor -- learning to handle multiple responsibilities. It was perfect training for content creation, where you take on multiple responsibilities, such as editing your own videos, designing graphics and appearing on camera," Greene says.

Motivational Mission

Today, Greene remains focused on building a better, more equitable future through her content, from mentoring students on scholarships to guiding organizations toward impactful solutions.

Through Edfluential, Greene addresses a critical issue among changemakers: financial insecurity.

"Many people working to create social change struggle to earn a livable wage. I want to make these careers sustainable," Greene says.

She often displays a panel featuring the faces of various students she helped secure scholarships in her content.

"Below each face, I include the amount of money they won. I showcase this in almost every video because I frequently receive comments, direct messages and emails asking, 'Can I win a scholarship? I'm studying this subject,' or 'I belong to this demographic. Is it even possible for me to win this scholarship?'"

What keeps Greene motivated are the success stories.

"Some students have been refugees who secured full-ride scholarships, significantly improving their lives and the lives of their families. Others have faced challenges like homelessness or various difficult circumstances. These stories inspire me to keep pursuing this work."

Greene, who was named to Forbes' 30 Under 30 list, has compiled her expertise into books to help others succeed.

"My book, The Scholarship Algorithm, outlines my step-by-step process for winning 30 undergraduate and graduate school scholarships. After studying this book, some students secured significant scholarships," she shares. Drawing on her broadcast journalism background, she ensured the book was concise and accessible, with generous line spacing and larger fonts.

Greene also published The Disabled Debt-Free Degree, a guide for individuals with disabilities seeking unique ways to finance their education.

"Helping others and improving society -- that is my mission," she says.