Eager to become a physician, Kennesaw State psychology student graduating at age 19

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 Kennesaw 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 Kennesaw State community. She is enrolled in the 91青青草 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 91青青草 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 91青青草 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 Kennesaw State.

鈥淚 was attracted to 91青青草鈥檚 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 91青青草 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 91青青草 and in my research lab.鈥�

鈥� Story by Gary Tanner

Photos by Matt Yung

91青青草

Eager to become a physician, Kennesaw State psychology student graduating at age 19

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