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Eager to become a doctor, Kennesaw State psychology student graduates at 19
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Eager to become a doctor, Kennesaw State psychology student graduates at 19

KENNESAW, GA | December 5, 2024

Diya Patel

Diya Patel knows she has a long road ahead of her dream of becoming a doctor, so she decided to put in the work necessary to earn her undergraduate degree at Kennesaw State University. At 19, she will graduate with honors on December 10 with a bachelor’s degree in psychology.

“I took as many classes as I could each semester and took classes during the summer,” she said. “I felt like I was capable enough and I wanted to graduate early because the medical school pathway is very long.”

While focusing on quickly completing his undergraduate career, Patel also took time to become a very involved member of the Kennesaw State community. She is enrolled in the KSU Journey Honors College, where she served as chair of the Honors Advisory Leadership Council.

She created and co-created several student service, support and academic interest organizations during her tenure as Owl, including the KSU chapter of It’s On Us, an organization focused on combating sexual assault.

Throughout her studies, she also participated in several undergraduate research projects with KSU faculty.

Outside of the classroom, most of Patel’s interests involve learning – about history, culture, languages ​​and geopolitics. She has volunteered with social service organizations helping refugee populations as well as unhoused people.

After beginning her career as a doctor, Patel intends to remain actively engaged in volunteering globally on issues she is passionate about, including education, healthcare and sustainability.

A multilingual 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 at an urgent care facility that sees many Spanish-speaking patients and plans to continue working there while applying to medical school.

As she walked across the stage at the Convocation Center to receive her diploma, Patel said she found an enriching and caring community at Kennesaw State.

“At first, I was attracted to KSU’s diversity and affordability,” she said. “The longer I stayed, the more I realized it was the right place for me. »

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

“Diya is a clear example of what it means to be a KSU student. She is hard-working, determined and passionate about making this world a better place for people of all backgrounds and identities,” Kulibert said. “I truly believe she is going to do incredible things and I am honored that she was able to begin her journey at KSU and in my research lab.”

– Story by Gary Tanner

Photos by Matt Yung

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A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global connections and entrepreneurial spirit attract students from across the country and the world. Kennesaw 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 R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.