Danya Zarate-Centeno is an MIA alumnus. She graduated in 2018 and is currently 26 years old. Danya is an intelligent and stunning person who puts her all into everything she does, especially her studies. She has worked her way up the ladder, achieving numerous challenging milestones.

Her favorite class in high school was AICE History. She enjoyed the papers, discussions, and readings because they were both informative and interesting. Another close favorite was her AICE General Paper (A Level) because of the challenge of writing a long paper and creating a presentation independently. She states that classes like those helped prepare her for college. 

Danya participated in various activities, such as sports. She was on the MIA ladies’ soccer team, where her favorite memories lie. She enjoyed her last season on the team, stating, “They were the most prepared they had ever been.” Danya had fun playing and assisting. She also got an opportunity to co-write about it in the Coastal Breeze. 

After high school, she was accepted into the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, her top school.  Danya planned to go to college and pursue a postgraduate degree. She was originally interested in pediatrics, but her plans changed over time. Danya stated, ” I wanted something different, but maybe later in life, I’ll go back to pediatrics.” She then graduated from UNC in 2022.

Now she is currently working towards her Master of Social Work (UNC SSW 2027) at her alma mater. After graduation, she aspires to join a bilingual mental health clinic, El Futuro in Durham, North Carolina, or perhaps the Counseling and Psychological Services at UNC. She is even thinking about getting another degree. Currently, she is a full-time Research Coordinator at UNC Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center. She is overseeing a study assessing environmental factors on liver health. This month will mark her third year in the position. She says it has been a very fulfilling and supportive position. 

Danya’s advice to the seniors is, “This is a very stressful time of the year, but give it all you got and try everything. You really never know where you are going to end up. Also, let me know if you want me to proofread for you!”