草榴视频

KENNESAW, Ga. | Dec 5, 2024

Diya Patel knows she has a long road ahead to achieve her dream of becoming a physician, so she decided to sprint through the work needed to earn her undergraduate degree at 草榴视频 State University. At 19, she will graduate with honors on Dec. 10 with a bachelor鈥檚 degree in psychology.

鈥淚 took the maximum load of classes every semester, and I took classes during the summer,鈥� she said. 鈥淚 felt that I was capable enough, and I wanted to graduate early because the medical school journey is so long.鈥�

While she emphasized a quick completion of her undergraduate career, Patel also made time to be a very involved member of the 草榴视频 State community. She is enrolled in the 草榴视频 Journey Honors College, where she has served as president of the Honors Advisory Leadership Council.

She has created and co-created several student service, support, and academic interest organizations during her time as an Owl, including the 草榴视频 chapter of It鈥檚 On Us, an organization focused on combating sexual assault.

Throughout her studies she has also been involved in several undergraduate research projects with 草榴视频 faculty.

Outside the classroom, most of Patel鈥檚 interests involve learning 鈥� about history, culture and languages, and geopolitics. She has volunteered for social service organizations assisting refugee populations as well as people who are unhoused.

After beginning her career as a medical doctor, Patel intends to remain actively engaged in volunteer work globally on issues she is passionate about, including education, health care, and sustainable development.

A polyglot and proud native of India, she spent much of her childhood in Tanzania before her family immigrated to the United States, where she graduated from North Gwinnett High School, in Suwanee, Georgia. She works in an urgent care facility that has many Spanish-speaking patients, and plans to continue working there while applying to medical school.

As crossing the stage at the Convocation Center to receive her degree approaches, Patel said she found an enriching, caring community at 草榴视频 State.

鈥淚 was attracted to 草榴视频鈥檚 diversity, and its affordability at the beginning,鈥� she said. 鈥淭he longer I stayed, the more I realized it was the right place for me.鈥�

Patel has made a lasting impression on assistant professor of psychology Danica Kulibert.

鈥淒iya is a clear example of what it means to be a 草榴视频 student. She is hard working, determined, and passionate about making this world a better place for people of all backgrounds and identities,鈥� Kulibert said. 鈥淚 truly believe she is going to do amazing things and I am honored that she was able to start her journey at 草榴视频 and in my research lab.鈥�

鈥� Story by Gary Tanner

Photos by Matt Yung

 

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, 草榴视频 State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. 草榴视频 State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. 草榴视频 State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.