8-year-old's viral video lands her early admittance, scholarship to UNT

GARLAND, Texas - An 8-year-old girl from Garland who made a motivating speech about her passion for education received a ‘mean green’ surprise when she got early admittance into the school of her dreams along with a large scholarship.

Third Grader Jordin Phipps was the center of attention Thursday afternoon during a school assembly program at Watson Technology Center when the University of North Texas officials presented her with a $10,000 scholarship.

It all started when Jordin’s mom, Nichole Smith, uploaded a video of her 8-year-old before school, confidently stating her enthusiasm for learning and her desire to go to UNT one day. She did it while wearing a UNT shirt.

To date, the video has nearly 90,000 views and hundreds of comments on social media.

"Never in a million years did I think that video last Tuesday would turn into this,” the proud mother said.

Jordin was left speechless when she figured out the ‘school program’ was all about her. She was awarded the President’s Award for Excellence in Leadership. Several of her family members were even able to attend the event.

"I wanted to go there because my mom went there,” the 8-year-old explained.

“I’ve been with the University of North Texas for 21 years. This is the first time we’ve ever admitted a student at this early age,” said Rebecca Lothringer with UNT. “And it was just because Jordin was so special. She touched us with her video and her spirit and her positive attitude.”

It’s not clear just yet what Jordin will declare as her major. But the third grader has plenty of time to figure it out.