My journey into dentistry started in a rather unconventional way – a childhood game of dentist and patient with my younger sister. Caring for her oral hygiene due to her intellectual disability fostered a desire in me to help others through dental care. However, I soon discovered that pursuing a career in dentistry would not be a straightforward path.
When I entered college as a homeschooled, first-generation Hispanic student, I faced a unique set of challenges. In the very first week of my Introductory Biology course, I found myself overwhelmed as the professor quickly glossed over topics that were considered “review material”. Topics like water, polarity, bonding, and atoms were completely foreign to me. “You should all remember this from high school,” she noted. At that moment, I realized the road ahead would be an uphill battle as I struggled to catch up on what most of my peers deemed elementary knowledge. While I managed to survive that initial semester, I knew I needed to excel if I wanted to pursue dentistry. Though, being the first in my family to go to college, I was clueless about where to begin. It became evident that I needed to find mentorship and a supportive community, which led me to join the American Student Dental Association (ASDA).
ASDA has been a guiding force throughout my entire academic and professional journey. It provided me with the support and resources necessary to pursue the field of dentistry. ASDA's mentorship program connected me with experienced individuals in the dental field who helped me navigate the complex dental school admissions process. Their guidance was invaluable, especially as a first-generation student with no knowledge of this daunting process.
Moreover, through ASDA, I seized opportunities to shadow numerous dentists and specialists in the Houston area. These shadowing experiences not only deepened my understanding of the clinical aspect of dentistry but also emphasized the importance of building trust with patients while providing them with necessary oral care. These invaluable experiences will remain with me as I continue to work towards my future career as a dentist.
As I learned more about ASDA, I became a mentor myself, passing on the knowledge I gained. Little did I know that my involvement would not stop there. In the following years, I took on various leadership roles within the ASDA Pre-Dental Chapter, serving as Webmaster, President, and currently as the Executive Advisor. These positions honed my organizational and interpersonal skills. Furthermore, it prepared me for a successful dental career by teaching me how to organize events, collaborate with fellow officers, and manage various projects within ASDA. I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to serve my peers by encouraging them and equipping them with the skills necessary to one day become the future of dentistry.
In conclusion, ASDA has empowered me with mentorship, resources, hands-on experiences, and leadership opportunities. Our organization’s commitment to dental education and advocacy has not only prepared me for dental school but also deepened my passion for serving others through dentistry. Thanks to the guidance and support I received from ASDA, my commitment to providing compassionate, competent dental care and addressing dental health disparities remains unwavering. As I look ahead to dental school and beyond, I will carry the invaluable lessons and values instilled in me through my involvement in our wonderful organization.
