Diana Hernandez

Though medical school is still a few years away, Diana has already immersed herself in the career path of a doctor, including assisting in the delivery of a baby in a small hospital in Mexico. This hands-on experience taught her that she not only loves interacting one-on-one with patients, but also that she can remain calm taking orders under pressure and "in the sight of bodily fluids." Her passion for medicine and goal of becoming a pediatrician have been reinforced by such experiences as an internship in a Health Career Exploration Summer Institute, shadowing doctors at local hospitals and clinics and interning in a hospital south of the border, where “I got to view the differences in health systems and resources, and how Mexican doctors deal with these issues. It was a great eye-opening experience."

As a first-generation college student, Diana was determined and motivated to attend UC San Diego, encouraged by her parents' support and dream of a better lifestyle for their children. Her younger sister also attends UC San Diego, and the two have earned scholarship support through hard work and a focus on the future. For Diana, that means maintaining her high grades and being involved in community healthcare experiences that move her in the direction of medical school.