We are pleased to share our monthly blog which once again, is a staff interview. This month we have Diana Vang, GEAR UP Specialist at Durango High School answering questions. See what she has to say below.
What is your best piece of advice that you give to GEAR UP seniors as they get ready to graduate?
My best advice for seniors? Have a clear plan in place! Whether you’re heading to college, trade school, the workforce, the military, or taking a gap year, setting concrete goals with actionable steps is key. A well-thought-out plan keeps you focused, motivated, and ready to take on what’s next with confidence. And remember—you don’t have to figure it all out alone. If you need guidance, don’t hesitate to ask for help!
If you were to host a talk show, who would your first guest be and why do you want to interview that person?
I would like to interview Cristiano Ronaldo! I was a huge Manchester United fan when I was in middle school and watched him as he grew with that team. My dad used to get soccer magazines during that time and I’d cut out all the photos of Cristiano. I’d then create a collage to glue over my academic planner. I absolutely love his commitment to the sport and named my first son after him. My son is now 10 and loves playing soccer too.
If budgets were not a concern, what is a GEAR UP service that you would like to plan for your students?
At a charter school where I used to work, we organized an annual summer Ivy League tour, taking nearly 20 students across the country by bus to visit different campuses. It was an incredible opportunity for them to explore prestigious schools, compare campuses in real time, and immerse themselves in the energy of each university. I’d love to bring that experience here. A trip like this wouldn’t just be about seeing famous schools—it would give students a firsthand look at campus life, help them envision their future, and open doors to possibilities they may not have considered. Seeing these schools in person could be the spark that motivates them to reach higher and find the best fit for their goals.
What is your favorite hack, app, or tool that helps your productivity at work?
I can’t function without sticky notes. They’re my go-to tool for staying organized, and I keep multiple packs in various sizes—always lined. On my desk, I have a dedicated space just for sticky note tasks, and my bulletin board features a “To Do” and “In Progress” section to keep everything in check. Whether it’s a quick reminder or a long-term project, sticky notes help me stay productive—and honestly, I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Give us a fun fact about Diana!
I’ve moved to Las Vegas, Nevada twice now! The first time was in 2019 to work as a school counselor at Durango High School. When I returned home to Wisconsin in 2021, I never considered or thought about coming back. However, when I saw that GEAR UP was hiring, I was super excited to reapply and land myself back at Durango! For me, this is my dream job. I feel incredibly lucky to work alongside passionate GEAR UP school counselors and educators who are deeply dedicated to supporting students. Sometimes, life has a way of bringing you exactly where you’re meant to be!
