From being a full International Baccalaureate candidate to working alongside neuroscientists, Diana Zhao is soon to begin a new chapter of her life at Stanford University. The valedictorian will be majoring in Public Policy which involves economics and political science. Zhao hopes to minor in product design in order to pursue an area that she has always been fascinated in.

“I’ve always been interested in art ever since I could pick up a pencil,” Zhao said. “It is just something that I have always been into.”

Able to explore what she wants to learn, Zhao was attracted to Stanford when she realized that the college was not like other institutions. Although she did not have the opportunity to visit the school, she liked the fact that the school did not force the students to have any obligations.

“What stood out to me is how innovative [Stanford] is and how different it is from the East Coast vibe,” Zhao said.

Throughout her years at CHS, Zhao took advantage of the many clubs and opportunities that were presented to her. Zhao was able to express herself through the Speech and Debate Program and competed in Persuasive Speech and Public Policy debate. Not only was she on the Speech and Debate team for all her years at high school, but she also was part of the JV Tennis and JV Swim team.
Outside of school, Zhao dedicated much of her time and effort to volunteering at the Loma Linda Research Facility. There she was able to work with a neuroscientist, working with lab rats, and experience the field of clinical research.

“Working with the physician helped solidify for me that I do like the sciences,” Zhao said.

Through her times of struggle at CHS, Zhao looked to her father and grandfather for inspiration, naming them her role models. She admires how they both overcame adversity and managed to create better lives for themselves. She was also able to rely on her close IB friends who have become the main roles of support for her. Zhao benefited immensely from the IB program and would recommend it for all those who are interested.

“IB helped me become a critical thinker, not just a robot, but someone who takes an interest in learning,” Zhao said.

With her experiences at CHS, Zhao was able to integrate well into the student body and will carry what she learned at CHS into the next chapter of her life.
Zhao will begin an exciting part of her life after this summer as a Cardinal and continue to represent the Wolfpack in a prestigious institute. Though she is still determining her path for the future, Zhao will continue to strive for excellence, just like she had at CHS.