Choosing Her Path: Diane’s Journey of Growth, Purpose, and Possibility

For Diane Cilengi, the path to the University of Minnesota Crookston has never been linear, and that is exactly what makes her story meaningful.

"I usually just say I'm a global citizen," she said.

Diane was born in Minneapolis, Minn., and raised in Johannesburg, South Africa with her parents originally from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. She identifies as Congolese American, and she believes her international background has shaped how she sees the world and the role education plays in it.

She always knew she wanted to attend a University of Minnesota campus. After applying to all five, she was waitlisted at the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and accepted to both the Rochester and Crookston campuses.

A campus visit made the decision clear. The University of Minnesota Crookston was her place. "I fell in love with how small it was," she said. "I knew I could build relationships here. Professors would know my name, and I could really get to know people."

That sense of connection mattered to her. After attending small schools growing up, she wanted a place where she could feel part of a community, while also gaining independence. UMN Crookston gave her both.

During her first time around at UMN Crookston from 2016 to 2019, Diane studied health sciences on a pre-med track. While she enjoyed subjects like chemistry and math, she struggled to feel connected to the path she was on.

"I'm a big human connector," she said. "I love talking, sharing, and walking alongside people. Medicine didn't feel like it centered that in the way I needed."

She did not arrive as a recruited athlete, but tennis quickly became one of the most important parts of her experience. After meeting a fellow student-athlete, she began practicing with the team and eventually walked on under coach Krayton Nash. Without a scholarship, she still earned her place, competing at number four in singles and number two in doubles.

"Every practice, every early lift, I loved it," she said. "It pushed me in ways I needed."

Academically, she faced challenges and eventually made the decision to step away from UMN Crookston before completing her degree. She returned to South Africa, where her parents encouraged her to pursue accounting. She committed to the program and completed her degree in 2024, but the experience felt isolating to her, especially while studying online.

"I knew I didn't want that to be my story," she said.

A turning point came through conversations with her mentor, Clayton Redford. He challenged her to think about what she truly wanted out of life.

"He asked me what I wanted my life to look like," she said. "He reminded me that I still had time to change direction."

In January 2025, Diane made the decision to return to the United States and continue her education. When she thought about where she had felt the happiest and most supported, her answer was clear.

"It was Crookston," she said.

Returning to UMN Crookston as a non-traditional student in her late twenties has brought a new perspective. Diane approaches challenges with more patience and sees obstacles as opportunities. At the same time, she acknowledges that coming back to campus has not been without difficulty. Being older than many of her classmates can be challenging, and it takes intention to stay focused on her own progress rather than comparing it to others.

"I've learned not to compare timelines," she said. "Everyone is on a different path."

Her experiences have made her more self-aware and more appreciative of the people around her. She finds herself building deeper connections, not just with students, but with faculty as well.

"I see my professors as people now," she said. "They have lives, passions, and stories, and I want to learn from all of it."

Diane has quickly become involved across campus. She participates in DECA and the Multicultural Programming Team, and she stays connected with the Black Student Association. She also plans to serve as a Community Advisor next year. Outside of campus, she volunteers as a youth minister, working with a group of ninth graders she describes as her pride and joy.

One of her most meaningful moments came during an International Dinner event, when a fellow student, Sarah Le, shared how much she looked up to her.

"You forget that people are watching you," Diane said. "That moment meant everything to me."

She is also passionate about helping others see the value of a smaller campus. She believes students sometimes overlook what is right in front of them, including the level of talent and dedication among their peers. She points to standout student-athletes like Harrison Cleary and Emma Miller as examples of excellence that deserve recognition.

"Small ponds are just as important as big ones," she said. "There is so much greatness here if you choose to see it."

At the 2026 Student Awards Ceremony, Diane's impact on campus was formally recognized when she was named Peer Tutor of the Year and received the Inclusion and Belonging Excellence Award. The honors reflect her commitment to supporting others academically while fostering a welcoming and connected community, values she has carried with her throughout her journey at UMN Crookston.

Looking ahead, Diane plans to graduate in May 2027 with a degree in Health Science. She hopes to attend the Harvard Kennedy School to pursue a Master of Public Policy, with long-term goals of working in global health and creating more sustainable healthcare solutions.

"I believe it will all be worth it," she said. "For the impact I can make and the people I will meet along the way."

For Diane, returning to the University of Minnesota Crookston is about more than finishing what she started. It is about growth, purpose, and becoming the person she knows she can be.

"I'm a huge learner," she said. "The point of life is to gather knowledge and use it to make things better."

About UMN Crookston

The University of Minnesota Crookston is one of five campuses in the prestigious University of Minnesota System offering students an exceptional, hands-on learning experience in a safe, close-knit community. Known for its #1 best value ranking, NCAA Division II athletics, affordable tuition, #1 ranked dorms, and a supportive environment, UMN Crookston provides personalized attention and mentorship to help you thrive academically and professionally. With over 75 programs to choose from, including both on-campus and online options, you'll find a path that fits your goals at UMN Crookston. Small campus. Big Degree. The Best of Both Worlds. Learn more and apply at https://www.umcrookston.edu.

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