Recently, she updated her resume with her biggest achievement thus far as one of 141 students named as 2007 Presidential Scholars, one of the nation's highest honors for high school seniors.
President Bush said as he congratulated the Presidential Scholars in late June, "Caterina Yuan shared her passion for service with her classmates at Palo Alto High School in California. She's run food drives, raised thousands of dollars for humanitarian efforts in Africa, and helped organize a school-wide day of service. She's a scholar, but she's also a humanitarian."
Yuan spent the last two summer vacations doing an internship as well as volunteer work. Right after she finished her sophomore year, Yuan organized a summer camp in Michoacan, Mexico, teaching children about health and hygiene with Amigos de las Americas, a national organization that sends high school students to Latin American countries for 6-8 weeks to work with local communities.
"Although I was so different, the people welcomed me with open arms. Not only did I learn about another culture, but I was also able to contribute something back," said Yuan.
Last year, she participated in a summer internship program with the Center for Clinical Immunology at Stanford. In the scientific research program, Yuan studied type-1 diabetes in mice. Yuan describes that the experience helped confirm her desire to pursue medicine. She plans to attend Harvard University in the fall where she will continue her studies in biology.
Earlier this year, she organized two charity dances to aid relief efforts for the ongoing genocide in Darfur. Speakers were invited and movies were played in an effort to raise awareness among students. With seven months of planning involving more than 100 volunteers, the two dances raised over $20,000.
"I've always enjoyed helping others, and I'm glad I had the opportunity in high school to make at least a small difference in the world," said Yuan. "I believe it is very important for students to be aware of issues in the world, and from there, they can take action in making a difference in their own way."
Contrary to the popular belief in the lack of Generation Y's involvement in worldly issues, Yuan believes that proper communication and adequate information will more likely encourage them to act.
Yuan said, "Each person has something unique and different to contribute, and every contribution has the potential to change lives."
