'Diana’ Yun Yeong Jang

Growing up in a Korean household, from a young age both of her parents always told Diana to become a doctor. For the longest time she did not want to go into medicine. However, her grandmother’s stroke and death changed Diana’s mind. “I had never seen someone hospitalized in my life and seeing my grandma in pain took a huge toll on me. I hated the feeling of helplessness I got because I couldn’t do anything to help my grandma when I could clearly see that she was in pain. When we were at our lowest, my grandma’s doctor was very empathetic and helped our family get through her death. She not only tried to heal my grandma medically but also healed the family members mentally.” Seeing how empathetic the doctors were in not only working to heal the patients, but also towards their family’s understanding led Diana to a decision to go into medicine. “I wanted to be someone that helps someone in pain like my grandma and impacting all the lives around the patient.”

Though she struggled with chemistry in high school, Diana’s mission and conviction to become a physician resulted in her getting an “A” in college chemistry through hard work and long hours in Geisel Library.

Diana has gotten involved in community service. Working as volunteer at Milal, a daycare for children, stands out as a wonderful experience. “Volunteering at Milal taught me a lot including how rewarding it is to give back to the community. I loved helping the kids and knowing that I am bringing joy to them by doing activities they haven’t done before.” After watching and learning that some children have “meltdowns,” she said was physically and mentally challenging at first. Diana says her years of volunteering at Milal has “transformed herself from a bystander to an active participant.”

As Diana continues her studies, her mother is never far from her thoughts: “My mom’s fortitude motivates me to take risks, encouraging me that I can always succeed. I can proudly say that my mom is my salvation. Now I want to continue to be hers, by persevering even through the hardest difficulties, preparing to take on any upcoming challenges in life.”