There’s a unique sense of déjà vu walking the corridors of your old school, but for Dr. Youlan Choi, an alumna from the Class of 2015, that feeling is now part of her daily life. Dr. Choi has returned to the American School of Warsaw, not as a student, but as our new School Doctor, bringing her journey full circle in the most meaningful way.

“It’s such a great pleasure to walk these school corridors again,” she shares with a smile. “Although they feel very different after the renovation. Initially, I struggled, really missing the old main staircase with the ‘flags’ halfway up, but I now appreciate how new, fresh, and modern the environment is for the children. The spirit of the school has stayed the same, and I still feel welcome here.”

Her path from ASW graduate to the school’s medical office was anything but a straight line. Many might be surprised to learn that her first step after graduation was not into medicine, but into engineering at Warsaw Politechnika. “Only after a year did I realize it wasn’t for me,” she recalls. “I decided to make a bold decision to apply to Medical School, which I graduated from after six years in 2022.”

This pivot wasn't the first time she had explored different passions. An accomplished artist during her time at ASW, she chose IB Art for her Diploma Programme. “I realized I didn’t want my hobby to become my way of living,” she explains. “I was worried it would become a commodity and something I might stop loving one day.” Her artistic legacy remains, however; two of her paintings still hang in the high school and purchasing offices—a quiet testament to her multifaceted talents.

Ultimately, her love for biology and a deep-seated interest in biochemistry and veterinary science guided her toward medicine. Now a general practitioner with a keen interest in surgery and aesthetic medicine, Dr. Choi found her way back to ASW through her work with American Medical Centers, the school's healthcare provider.

Looking back, she sees how her ASW education laid the groundwork for the rigors of medical school and the demands of being a doctor. “I took away a strong sense that studying is fascinating and important and that there are always teachers here to help and support,” she notes. “But I think most importantly, school taught me how to connect with other people, especially people who are coming from different cultural backgrounds and countries. That is something I could not have learned so well anywhere else.”

Her decision to remain in Poland for her studies was a courageous one. Having moved here from Korea at the age of 12, she watched as most of her friends returned home or moved elsewhere for university. “I decided to stay with my parents, who are still here,” she says. “And to be fair, after all those years, Poland feels like home.” This choice came with its own set of challenges, particularly the language barrier. Studying medicine in English was one thing, but passing the final medical exams in Polish to practice here required immense dedication. “I never thought I would end up following this sort of pathway,” she admits.

Today, Dr. Choi’s life is firmly planted in Warsaw, though she happily returns to Korea each year to visit family and remains in close contact with friends from her ASW days. Her role at the school has been a perfect fit, allowing her to serve the community that shaped her. “I very much appreciate the trust of families—students and parents,” she says. “For the Korean community at ASW, it’s very important to have someone who speaks their language. I believe I am the only Korean doctor practicing in Warsaw, and I am proud I can support the community here.”

Being back on campus inevitably brings a flood of memories. Her eyes light up when she recalls her favorite moments. “Spirit Week was one of those times. I was really serious about it!” she laughs. “I remember coming to school in my pink pajamas with my teddy bear one year, and another year I reinvented myself as a bleeding zombie—I think the younger students were really scared of me.” From Crazy Hair Day to unforgettable school trips, like a memorable one to Turkey where the group bonded over lost luggage and a missed flight, these are the moments that defined her ASW experience.

Working alongside her former teachers is, as she describes it, a "bizarre but wonderful" experience. “I am finally learning to call them by their first names rather than Mr. or Mrs.!”

When she sees today’s students navigating the same halls, she has a simple but powerful message for them, especially those in the demanding final years of the IBDP. “Don’t worry too much,” she advises. “Be brave. Appreciate your teenage years. Things will eventually work out. You’ve got such a strong foundation that you are going to be fine. Don't worry about making a mistake or a bad choice. There’s always time to change your mind and start something new. It’s important not to be afraid to take up challenges. Be courageous.”

Dr. Youlan Choi’s story is more than just a professional success; it's a testament to the enduring spirit of our alumni community and the winding, unexpected paths that lead to a fulfilling life. Her journey from the art room to the doctor’s office, from ASW student to ASW doctor, is a powerful reminder that the foundations built here provide the resilience to change course, embrace challenges, and find your own definition of home. For her former teachers who are now her colleagues, and for all of us in the alumni network, her return is a source of immense pride. So, the next time you are on campus, be sure to stop by the doctor's office and say hello to a familiar face who truly embodies the heart and courage of an ASW Warrior.