Many face the struggle of balancing both school and life outside, finding themselves overwhelmed by stress. My recent photography essay aims to tell the story of a 21-year-old girl who has simply found the way to conquer it.

The Subject - University of North Texas senior, Makena Parker, glances at the camera while at Willis Library. Throughout her last 3 years here, she says she felt like she lived here.

The Subject - University of North Texas senior, Makena Parker, glances at the camera while at Willis Library. Throughout her last 3 years here, she says she felt like she lived here.

Show and Tell - During what Makena calls a "brain break”, she shares a TikTok with her friends Paige Murray and Mackenzie. The breaks are needed as she prepares for a 200-question final for her Chemistry class.

Show and Tell - During what Makena calls a "brain break”, she shares a TikTok with her friends Paige Murray and Mackenzie. The breaks are needed as she prepares for a 200-question final for her Chemistry class.

Everything New - Makena is in the middle of redoing her own apartment, where everything is now new. After her ex took everything, she got her own vacuum to use.

Everything New - Makena is in the middle of redoing her own apartment, where everything is now new. After her ex took everything, she got her own vacuum to use.

Free Time - Makena is the Guest Experience supervisor at Andy B's in Denton, TX. During her shift, she is considered the "fun" manager, always trying out the new shipment of prizes.

Free Time - Makena is the Guest Experience supervisor at Andy B's in Denton, TX. During her shift, she is considered the "fun" manager, always trying out the new shipment of prizes.

Makena and another manager, Jonah Lawrence, look to solve an issue with tip-outs while closing. Staff such as the servers get tipped out every night, so money always has to add up.

Makena and another manager, Jonah Lawrence, look to solve an issue with tip-outs while closing. Staff such as the servers get tipped out every night, so money always has to add up.

Tip Out - Makena changed to pen and paper after the money did not add up on the computers for the tip-out. As a manager, they add the tip out to be dispersed to servers and any other staff with money under their name.

Tip Out - Makena changed to pen and paper after the money did not add up on the computers for the tip-out. As a manager, they add the tip out to be dispersed to servers and any other staff with money under their name.

Walk Through - Makena gives front desk host Genny a walkthrough prior to ending sales at 10 pm. As manager, her responsibilities to closing consist of walking through the front desk, kitchen, and game room room to make sure they are good to close.

Walk Through - Makena gives front desk host Genny a walkthrough prior to ending sales at 10 pm. As manager, her responsibilities to closing consist of walking through the front desk, kitchen, and game room room to make sure they are good to close.

Awkarddd - Makena and her dog Kona share the floor as another TikTok is being recorded. Kona releases some excitement after being chased by her brother, Sosa.

Awkarddd - Makena and her dog Kona share the floor as another TikTok is being recorded. Kona releases some excitement after being chased by her brother, Sosa.

A girl and her Cat - Makena holds her cat Moe for a TikTok at her apartment on a Monday morning. She has called herself a crazy animal lady, but some beg to differ.

A girl and her Cat - Makena holds her cat Moe for a TikTok at her apartment on a Monday morning. She has called herself a crazy animal lady, but some beg to differ.

About That Time - Makena Parker will be a part of the University of North Texas, Spring 2026 class, graduating in May. Being only 21 years old and finishing her degree has been one of her biggest accomplishments in life, she says.

About That Time - Makena Parker will be a part of the University of North Texas, Spring 2026 class, graduating in May. Being only 21 years old and finishing her degree has been one of her biggest accomplishments in life, she says.

Masters? YES! - Makena will be an upcoming bachelor’s graduate but has also been accepted into her program’s master’s program, a part of the Class of 2028. She is one of 16 students accepted out of 150+ applicants.

Masters? YES! - Makena will be an upcoming bachelor’s graduate but has also been accepted into her program’s master’s program, a part of the Class of 2028. She is one of 16 students accepted out of 150+ applicants.