Meet the Class of 2022: AcaDec Champ Aspires to Medical Profession
Date published: Sept. 17, 2018
Kimberly Diwa, BA ’22, first heard of the University of Dallas during a Bible study
at her church. As she listened to a woman talk about her daughter’s experiences during
her Rome semester and how her friendships formed in college still remained strong
even 10 years after graduation, Diwa was intrigued. When the time came for her to
start looking at colleges, she came across UD again in the Newman Guide to Catholic
Colleges, as well as Princeton Review’s book of Best Schools. She decided to visit
campus and immediately was struck by UD’s friendly character, not to mention its impressive
record of preparing pre-med students for medical school.
“When the time came for me to decide where to go to school, I realized that UD was
an excellent place to continue my academic journey and prepare for a life of serving
God,” she said.
A national online Academic Decathlon champion (she participated in the competition
for home-schooled students), a participant in the Rosetta Institute’s camp on neuroscience,
and an O’Hara alumna, Diwa is already well-prepared for the academic rigor of UD.
She will major in biology and hopes to attend medical school after graduation to become
either a pediatrician or an obstetrician/gynecologist.
“Since I was in elementary school, I’ve had a passion for entertaining and caring
for younger children, like my little sister,” she said. “Participation in the pro-life
movement has also instilled in me the need to care for the most vulnerable, which
I can see myself doing either in a hospital or as a medical missionary.”
Diwa has pursued this care for the vulnerable in her extracurricular activities as
well. In high school, she participated in Girl Scouts and 40 Days for Life and volunteered
at an animal shelter. Here at UD, she plans to participate in Women’s Ministry, Crusaders
for Life, and Crusaders for Kids, as well as the Pre-Health Society. In engaging in
these organizations, Diwa looks forward to meeting fellow students who share her passion.
“I’m excited about meeting and being taught by people excited to live their lives
for Christ, whatever that entails,” she said.
When she’s not busy with school or extracurriculars, Diwa enjoys crocheting stuffed
animals, reading travel articles and books, and collecting minerals and postcards.
But most of all, Diwa is grateful to be able to engage in UD’s community and encounter
like-minded people who share her zeal both for academics and for a life in the faith:
“I am so thankful for my parents for their continual support and their help in choosing
a college where, in their words, I am ‘in good hands.’”