Mary Duarte

Honors, achievements and special recognition:

Chi Omega Lambda Chapter President, 2009-2010
University of Kansas Multicultural Math and Science Scholar
KU Journal of Undergraduate Research Review Board
University of Kansas Homecoming 2008 Steering Committee Ex.C.E.L. Award & Jayhawk Jog 5K Chair
Mortar Board Honor Society Member
Order of Omega Vice President
KU Journal of Undergraduate Research Review Board Member
JayDoc – Wichita 2009 Pre-Medical Student Volunteer
Up 'Till Dawn Executive Board Member
KU Pre-Medical Club Vice President
KU Pre-Medical Club Treasurer and Secretary
KU Leadershape Graduate 2009
KU Panhellenic Association Appointed Officer 2008 – GAMMA
Owl Society Scholar

Someone who has been influential or had a significant impact on my life:

My parents, Peter and Concha Duarte, laid the foundation of the person that I am today; My dad – for his constant love and support and my mom – for her determination to teach her daughters the importance of humility, responsibility, education, and service. Some of my mom's favorite words of wisdom are "To whom much has been granted, much will be expected". She has always taught us that we are extremely blessed and owe it to ourselves and to others to make the most out of every second. It is in looking at the amazing people that my parents are that I am able to realize the kind of woman I want to be.

My two younger sisters, Sarah and Adrienne, gave me my first taste of leadership – by me being the oldest sibling. I hope that they have learned as much from me as I have from them; Sarah – for her strength and always believing in the endless possibilities that life holds; Adrienne – for her kindheartedness and her willingness to put the needs of others before her own.

Most favorite college-related memory:

My favorite memory while here at KU has to be winning the Men's Basketball National Championship. Being on Mass Street after both the North Carolina and Memphis games was unbelievable… thousands of Jayhawk fans coming together full of elation and pride! It will definitely be an experience I will never forget!

An important life lesson I have learned:

Probably the most important life lesson I have learned is that every single person holds the key to his or her life. The "key" lies in the choices that we make. We always have choices; it's just a matter of examining them with an open mind. Our lives are unlimited with possibility! Not very often will things work out exactly how you had foreseen so it is important to be flexible, accept it, and make the best out of every situation.

A favorite quote or saying (and why it is meaningful to me):

My favorite quote is from the children's book Goodnight Opus:

"Depart from the text and get carried away..."