Xiaona Ding was born and raised in China. Even at a young age, she constantly challenged herself to become the version of who she could be. That unwavering drive enabled her to graduate at the top of the class in both her undergraduate program and her first master’s degree program.
As an avid long-distance runner, Xiaona knows that the actual race is not against others but against her own limitations. She puts herself to go further, be better, and achieve what once seemed impossible, ultimately leading her to immigrate to the U.S. in 2016, where she embarked on pursuing her American dream.
Xiaona, now known as Diana, set her sights on becoming an attorney. After attending an open house at the University of West Los Angeles (UWLA) School of Law, she was sufficiently impressed to enroll. “Law school, like the caterpillar's journey towards metamorphosis, is a transformative process,” explained Diana. “Just as the caterpillar emerges from its cocoon as a stunning butterfly, I emerge from law school transformed. Equipped with a wealth of legal knowledge, critical thinking skills, and a global perspective, I feel ready to spread my wings and embark on a fulfilling legal career, positively impacting the world.”
Diana earned her Juris Doctorate from UWLA in 2019. Not only did she graduate, but she was third in her class, earning magna cum laude honors. During her academic journal, she also served as a teaching assistant at the School of Law, which allowed her to fulfill her passion for teaching and helping other students on their path to success.
Always forward-thinking and planning how to achieve her success, Diana pursued a Master's degree in business at UWLA’s School of Business to supplement her law degree. “I viewed the Master's program in business and leadership at UWLA as a nice complement to my legal expertise, providing a comprehensive skill set, business acumen, and leadership abilities,” stated Diana. “Studying business would equip me with a competitive edge in the legal profession, expanding my career opportunities and enabling me to navigate the increasingly complex intersection of law and business.”
She recently graduated top of her class in the Master of Science program, having earned straight As and receiving summa cum laude honors. “I truly enjoyed my days as a law student, a business student, and an adjunct professor at UWLA,” added Diana. “As an international student far from my home support system, I had to quickly navigate through a different education system, learning the native social norms and adapting to a new culture. I embraced this challenge and worked hard to integrate myself into the UWLA family, which I’m proud to say is now my new support system.”
Diana professes that earning dual degrees in business and law allows her to make significant strides toward achieving her American dream. Having passed the California bar on her first attempt, she is now a practicing attorney in Los Angeles.
She is quick to credit UWLA for her success. “Each student matters at UWLA,” concluded Diana. “The University taught me the necessary values, attitudes, and skills to succeed. I advise anyone considering the school that this will be your best educational investment decision. Don’t be afraid of challenging yourself!”
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