Seddighi a Key Into Public Service Scholar
University of Tennessee student Diba Seddighi of Farragut recently was chosen as the 2022 Key Into Public Service Scholar.
“I feel incredibly honored to be chosen as one of 20 scholars from across the country,” said Seddighi, a Farragut High School Class of 2019 graduate. “I’ve spent the duration of my undergraduate studies working toward a career in public service and to have that work recognized and rewarded means everything.”
“This is a new program by Phi Beta Kappa Society, highlighting career opportunities for liberal arts graduates regarding public service,” said Lindsey Owen, UT Office of Communications public relations specialist. “Each scholar receives a $5,000 undergraduate scholarship and takes part in a convening in June to provide them with training, mentoring and reflection on pathways into active citizenship.
“Diba was one of only 20 students selected from over 900 applicants and will receive a $5,000 undergraduate scholarship and receive training, mentoring and reflection on pathways into local, state and federal public service.”
“ ... I was in class April 6 when I got the e-mail notification, and I had to read through it a few times actually because I didn’t believe it at first,” Seddighi said. “... It definitely made me feel ecstatic.”
Seddighi is about to finish her third year at UTK as an undergraduate student.
Immediately after graduation, she said, “I plan to pursue a Fulbright Fellowship to conduct public health research in a Spanish-speaking country. Following this, I intend to obtain a dual MD/MPH degree.
“... My overall career objective is to provide medical care to underserved populations as a primary care physician and to advocate for policies to promote health equity within communities that have this greater need,” Seddighi added.
