Isabella White, a fifth-year senior at UNT majoring in Political Science with a minor in Women and Gender Studies, has spent the past five years persevering through the challenges of her disabilities to reach graduation. Her journey reflects ongoing growth—not only in her academic pursuits, but also in her relationship with her fiancé and in her personal life.
READY- In her downtown apartment, White applies makeup before heading to her Women and Gender Studies: Gender and Sustainable Development class on April 16 , 2025, taught by UNT Professor Ozlem Altiok, Ph.D. “I love Ozlem’s class,” White said. “She is the most kind, supporting and inspiring professor I have ever had.” Photo by Alaina Jones
REFLECTIONS- Found in a reflection on April 16, 2024, White and Workings, share a brief conversation before White goes to class. Workings comforts White as she explains she is nervous to present in front of her class. She was officially diagnosed with asthma, anxiety and ADHD at the beginning of 2024 — a combination that has made her academic journey especially challenging. “It’s been hard, especially in school,” White said. “But I’ve always done my best and pushed through by focusing on what I’m passionate about.” Photo by Alaina Jones
MEANINGFUL- Atop White’s dresser sits a collection of items meaningful to her on April 24 , 2025, a photo book covered in pictures of her and her fiancé, Bryce Workings; a camera bag; her essential laptop; and books she cherishes, including Globalization and Its Discontents by Joseph E. Stiglitz and I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. A journal also rests nearby, which she uses to process her emotions as she navigates the final stages of school and moving to a new state. Photo by Alaina Jones
PLAYFUL- White and Workings play under a tent on April 28, 2025 in their Denton downtown apartment. “Sometimes with work, school, the award ceremony, finals and moving, I forget how important it is to live in the moment, but Bryce constantly reasures me and helps bring me back,” White said. Photo by Alaina Jones
CELEBRATE- After being recognized as an Outstanding Student in the UNT Women’s and Gender Studies program, White and Workings dance on April 24 , 2025 to celebrate the moment. The award was presented to White by UNT Professor Ozlem Altiok, Ph.D., for academic contributions and her commitment to critically examining stereotypes surrounding gender, ethnicity, race and sexuality on a global scale. Photo by Alaina Jones
STUDY- UNT Senior, Isabella ‘Bella’ White, reviews her “Back to the Land or Back to the Kitchen, Neo Homesteading and the Trad Wife Movement,” presentation on April 21, 2025, in the General Academic Building on the UNT campus. White is majoring in Political Science and Minoring in Women and Gender Studies. Photo by Alaina Jones
CLASS- White, presents her “Back to the Land or Back to the Kitchen, Neo Homesteading and the Trad Wife Movement,” presentation on April 16, 2025, in the General Academic Building on the UNT campus. “I find your presentation so fascinating,” Professor Ozlem said. Photo by Alaina Jones
At the Women’s and Gender Studies Research Symposium and Recognition Ceremony on April 21, 2025, White squeezes a stress ball to manage her anxiety. “You’d think that after all the hours I spent practicing each day, I wouldn’t be nervous anymore,” White said. “But it turns out I’m just as nervous as ever.” Photo by Alaina Jones
TRAD- White presents her research project, titled “Back to the Land or Back to the Kitchen: Neo-Homesteading and the Trad Wife Movement,” in the UNT General Academic Building on April 21, 2025. She was inspired by the recent rise of social media influencers portraying themselves as “traditional housewives.” “I became fascinated by how curated these lifestyles are,” White said. “A lot of these women have hired help for homeschooling and homesteading, but that part is rarely shown.” Her project aims to examine and challenge the authenticity of these portrayals. Photo by Alaina Jones
DENTON, TX April 21, 2025 AWARD- Jara Carrington, UNT Women’s and Gender Studies advisory board professor, takes a photo of Rose Bhaskar, Isabella (Bella) White, Kina Alizai and Valarie Gonzalez at the April 21, 2025 WAGST Research Symposium and Recognition Ceremony. White and her peer, Sezen Tunali, were recognized as Outstanding Students. The award was presented by UNT Professor Ozlem Altiok, Ph.D., in recognition of the students’ academic contributions and their commitment to critically examining stereotypes surrounding gender, ethnicity, race and sexuality on a global scale. Photo by Alaina Jones
MOVING- Days after receiving her award, White and Workings engage in a hug on April 23, 2025, while Workings completes homework. The recently engaged couple is moving to Pittsburgh on May 12, 2025, for a new job Workings was offered. With only needing 12 more credit hours to graduate after the Spring 2025 semester, White will transfer from attending class in person to online. “I feel sad about leaving my friends and family but I am excited for a new beginning,” White said. Photo by Alaina Jones
