In this blog, the ASDA Officer team opens up about the unique journey of balancing rigorous academics with pre-dental preparation. We dive deep into the collective experiences of our officers, sharing the vital lessons we have learned throughout our college years.
Looking ahead, we also outline our vision and goals for the future. As officers, we share what we hope to accomplish to better support our members and grow along our dental journey.
What’s one word you would use to describe ASDA and why?
Dillan: If I could choose one word to describe ASDA, it would be dependable. ASDA has given me a strong sense of community by connecting me with others who are pursuing the same career path and facing many of the same challenges. Instead of going through it alone, I had people around me to walk me through each step of the way. I went from feeling completely lost and unsure about the dental path to now being able to share what I’ve learned as a mentor and officer. Looking back at it now, I see how much of an impact ASDA has had on me, both personally and professionally.
Tristen: Family is the first thing that comes to mind anytime someone asks me about what ASDA means to me. I remember walking into my very first meeting scared and having no one to talk to, but I left the meeting with lifetime friends and a group of people who are there to support me through my dental and life journey.
Amira: I would describe ASDA as inclusive because everyone is on a different journey, with different personalities, schedules, and experiences, but we’re all connected by our love for dentistry. ASDA gives you a community of people you can relate to, learn from, and turn to for guidance, so you never feel like you have to navigate the pre-dental journey alone.
Josiara: The word I would use to describe ASDA is welcoming. From the beginning, ASDA has felt like a place where I could meet people with similar goals and feel comfortable getting involved. What drew me in was the sense of community, and what has kept me here is the friendships, experiences, and opportunities I’ve gained along the way. It really feels like a group where everyone wants to see each other succeed.
Victor: Acceptance is the word I would use to describe ASDA. Coming into college, one of my first concerns was whether or not people enjoyed my company. ASDA helped ease my mind, as I was able to meet such warmhearted and admirable people who, through hangouts, jokes, and study sessions, showed me that I was loved and accepted.
Favor: One word I’d use to describe ASDA is supportive. There are so many experiences I’ve had the courage to be a part of because of people in ASDA who have supported me. From mentorship to just regular friendship, there’s always someone who’s offered a hand with no questions asked.
Bryan: Determined. Everyone in ASDA is on their own path towards becoming dentists, and despite any obstacles that come their way, they take one step forward every day. Whether it be a difficult upcoming exam, lab, or just life, everyone is determined to make not just their dream a reality, but yours too.
Thosam: If I were to describe ASDA in one word, it would be exciting. There is something going on every day in ASDA, and you will be surprised by how many things you will do that you thought you would never do. Every week is a new experience, relationship, and a step toward a better self. Which is super exciting!
Ricardo: Connected is a great word to describe ASDA. Everyone in this club is much more connected than you think. You’ll never know who will end up being your close friend, who will help you, or who will be your future dental school classmate.
What’s something you would want to hear when first joining ASDA?
Dillan: One thing I wish I had heard when I first joined ASDA is not to be afraid to reach out to others. ASDA is such a large organization, and it can feel intimidating to approach someone for help or even just to say hello. However, the ASDA community is much more welcoming than it may seem at first. The people around you are often going through the same experiences you are or have already been in your shoes. Everyone’s journey to dental school is different, and there are so many nuances along the way. Whether your question or concern feels big or small, don’t be afraid to ask for help or start a conversation. The person you’re nervous to approach today could end up becoming a mentor, a source of support, or even one of your closest friends.
Tristen: ASDA is what you make of it. If you show up to events, put yourself out there, and open yourself to opportunities, ASDA will give you back 100% of what you put in plus more.
Amira: I would tell myself to start going to events and put myself out there! When I first joined ASDA, showing up even when I didn’t know anyone led me to so many friendships and leadership opportunities. Don’t be afraid to walk in not knowing anyone, because eventually, those unfamiliar faces will become your community.
Josiara: Put yourself out there, make friends, and show up to as many events as you can. ASDA is not only a great way to have fun and meet people who share the same goals as you, but every outreach, volunteer event, and meeting is also helping you grow personally and build a stronger dental school application. The connections you make can turn into lifelong friendships and relationships that will support you throughout your journey into dentistry.
Victor: Get involved! It’s one of the easiest ways to get to know people, even if you don’t talk much! Everyone here in ASDA is friendly, and whether it’s a big group of friends or even just that one buddy, being present for those moments will make such a positive difference in your college life.
Favor: When first joining ASDA, I had zero expectations and was just focused on getting into dental school. If I could go back and tell myself one thing, it would be to really be in the moment. It’s easy to get caught up in your plan for yourself, but it’s also important to give yourself the space to experience this moment of your life because it’s only going to happen once.
Bryan: Don’t be afraid to put yourself out there and go outside your comfort zone. I remember when I first joined ASDA, I did as many events as possible and really put myself out there despite being incredibly nervous. In the process, you’ll find yourself surrounded by people just like you, happy to lend a helping hand whenever it’s needed.
Thosam: I would say be open-minded. Open yourself up to unfamiliar events, spontaneous hangouts, and to people you don’t know. Going through ASDA with open arms has led me to many unforgettable memories and connections.
Ricardo: Talk to people; you never know how much these friendships can bring into your life. Not just emotionally, but with connections. Whether it’s a past exam, a job opportunity, or much more than that, people want to help! But first, put yourself in a position where you can be helped.
What study tips/habits have helped you succeed in your college courses?
Dillan: I wouldn’t necessarily recommend this to everyone, but what usually works best for me is cramming. I have a hard time studying weeks in advance because I tend to forget a lot of what I learned at the beginning by the time the exam comes around; therefore, I usually focus most of my studying within 1–2 days before an exam. The one major study method that has really helped me a lot is doing active recall. For memory-intensive classes, I usually put my lecture slides and learning objectives into an AI tool and have it create a study guide based on the material. From there, I use the same tool to generate practice questions so I can actively test myself instead of just rereading my notes. Additionally, I also like to use blurting for this kind of stuff too. I’ll usually just read through the slides, look away, and try to recite everything I just read from memory. For more application-based classes, such as math, I’ve found that practice is the most important thing. The more problems you work through, the more comfortable you become.
Tristen: Practice, spaced repetition, and teaching others. For test-heavy classes, going through old exams, practice exams, and homework questions really helped me absorb the information. Doing this over the span of a few days before the exam, in combination with trying to teach friends or family who don’t know the information, helps me identify holes in my knowledge and strengthen my understanding of concepts.
Amira: I’m definitely not the best at studying because I get distracted easily, but I’ve learned that not waiting until the last minute makes a huge difference. Giving myself enough time to actually understand the material instead of cramming has helped me feel more prepared and confident in my courses.
Josiara: I like to come to class prepared with a general overview of what we will be covering that day. Even if I do not fully understand the material yet, having some familiarity with the topic makes it much easier to follow the lecture, ask better questions, and understand the concepts more quickly.
Victor: Do assignments early, then move on to studying consistently. An intelligent, charming man once told me, “You cannot succeed in a powerlifting contest by only training a day before; you train overtime to perform well. So remember, the brain is also a muscle too.” – Victor Hinojosa (me)
Favor: A tip I’ve learned through college is to study the professor just as much as you study the material. If you know and understand what the professor wants you to take away from the course, study becomes much clearer because you know what to look for. So, going to office hours, asking all the questions that come to mind, and really engaging with the professor has been super helpful for me.
Bryan: A saying that’s been drilled into my head is “practice doesn’t make perfect; perfect practice makes perfect”. I’ve improved so much from just focusing on high-quality and deliberate studying, rather than just going through the motions without much intention. Also, try out different study methods to see what works best for you. For example, I’ve discovered that I do best in knowledge-heavy classes when I make and use flashcards.
Thosam: Test what study strategy works for you. Just make sure you’re actively learning and challenging your brain.
Ricardo: Don’t repeat until you get it right; repeat until you can’t get it wrong.
How do you balance academics, club involvement, and extracurriculars?
Dillan: I have all my to-do stuff on an app called Notion. I like using it because I really like the aesthetic of it, and you can decorate and customize it however you want. Whatever tasks I have coming up, I just write them down on a little list in the app and mark them off whenever I finish them. Additionally, I TRY (heavy emphasis on try) to get most of my work done beforehand, especially on days when I have meetings or other club/organization stuff going on. That way, I’m not rushing to finish everything after my club stuff is over.
Tristen: Google Calendar. Having a calendar dedicated to all of your deadlines, meeting dates, and important events helps me stay up to date and stay organized. This becomes extremely important when you’re trying to manage multiple responsibilities and have a lot of different dates that you need to keep track of.
Amira: I balance everything by staying organized and keeping my calendar updated. I try to prioritize the things I genuinely enjoy without overbooking myself, because I’ve learned that you can have a lot on your plate and still manage it well when you stay organized.
Josiara: I balance everything by keeping all of my classes, assignments, meetings, and events organized in a calendar. I always prioritize school first and make sure my academic responsibilities are taken care of before focusing on clubs and other extracurriculars. Staying organized helps me make time for everything without falling behind.
Victor: I typically complete my assignments during the weekend, even if it’s due a week later. This is so I can focus on what needs to be done, whether it’s studying or preparing volunteer events. Consistently keeping my schedule orderly then allows me to participate in other events for ASDA, as well as my hobbies outside of school.
Favor: It can be hard to balance multiple things at once, but I find that being intentional with your time is very important. So, study when you say you’re going to study, so that you can stay on track and won’t have to make up for it later. Also, realistically planning what I want to get done in a day helps to keep me focused and caught up.
Bryan: It’s certainly a challenge, but I make use of both Google Calendar and Post-it notes. The Google Calendar is for keeping track of when assignments are due, the events I’ve signed up for, shadowing, etc. The Post-it notes are for writing down things that I spontaneously remember I need to do very soon, just so I have an extra reminder. It always seems to happen that something important comes up right on the deadline of an assignment, so always try to get your work done as soon as it’s assigned.
Thosam: Do everything at 100 percent. Whether it be focusing on an assignment, planning an event, or just doing something that you enjoy, make sure you focus solely on whatever you are doing.
Ricardo: Knowing what comes first is important. In this pre-dental journey, where we are constantly trying to build a good application, knowing your limits is very crucial. Setting your priorities straight is essential for your success.
What moment in ASDA has impacted you the most?
Dillan: Cidercade! This was actually the very first ASDA-related event I went to, and it pretty much kickstarted my whole journey. At first, I was kind of scared to throw myself into a completely unknown space, but I’m so glad that I did. By putting myself out there, I was able to meet so many of the people I still know to this day and really break down a lot of the barriers and fears I had before joining ASDA. Looking back, I’m really grateful that I took that first step because it led me to where I am now. ASDA is truly like no other, and you’re definitely missing out if you’re not a part of it!
Tristen: The moment that stands out to me the most in ASDA was the IM volleyball championship. From the players to the supporters in the stands, everyone showed up and showed out. Seeing everyone run onto the court after the winning point reminded me what ASDA truly is: one big family.
Amira: One moment that really impacted me was going out to eat with everyone after my first volunteer event. It made me realize that regardless of titles or positions, we’re all going through similar struggles and experiences, and it made ASDA feel like a genuine community rather than just another organization.
Josiara: The moment in ASDA that has impacted me the most is really a collection of all the memories I’ve made, from Family Field Day and general meetings to the banquet and volunteer events. All of these experiences have shown me that we can come together in one space, support each other, and push one another to become better versions of ourselves while working toward the same goals.
Victor: Our recent Back to School Health Event! Being able to provide healthcare as an RDA made me feel as if it reinforced my desire to pursue dentistry and provide health for those in need. 🙂
Favor: The moments that have impacted me the most in ASDA have been staying after general meetings and just talking and catching up with people. Those moments are where I’ve built amazing relationships, and I can’t wait to do it this year!
Bryan: My very first community outreach event at Lockhart Elementary definitely impacted me the most. That was the first time I really got to take part in something that made me feel like I was making a difference in the community.
Thosam: My first ASDA General Meeting had the biggest impact on me. I would have never been introduced to the unforgettable opportunities that have led me to the place I am today.
Ricardo: The moment that impacted me most was touring the dental schools freshman year. I think seeing the dental schools and talking to dental students made me feel motivated and work harder to accomplish what they have.
As an officer, how do you hope to impact ASDA this year?
Dillan: As your webmaster, I hope to impact ASDA by elevating everything within my power to the next level. Especially when it comes to things like our slides and website, I want to make everything more appealing, organized, and efficient for our members. Regarding my role as an officer in general, I really just hope to be someone people can turn to when they need it. Whether that means lending an ear to someone who needs to talk or simply bringing some light and energy into areas that may feel a little bleak, I want to make a positive impact wherever I can. Most importantly, I want ASDA to be a welcoming environment for everyone, not just pre-dental students, where people can feel comfortable being themselves and know that they have a community around them.
Tristen: I hope to make a positive impact on ASDA this year. 😀
Amira: As an officer, I hope to make everyone I interact with feel comfortable, included, and welcomed. Even though we’re all here because of our shared passion for dentistry, we’re still people with lives and struggles outside of being pre-dental, and I want members to feel comfortable talking to me about anything, not just their journey to dental school. Past officers created that kind of space for me, and I hope I can do the same for someone else.
Josiara: As an officer, I hope to help create an environment where every member feels welcomed, involved, and excited to be part of ASDA. I want to encourage people to step outside of their comfort zones, attend events, make new connections, and take advantage of the opportunities ASDA provides. Most importantly, I hope to help create experiences and memories that members will look back on as an important part of their college journey.
Victor: I plan to leave my mark by getting to know all faces, keeping community service events lively, serving others, and being as active as possible. I aim to leave this year knowing I have provided the volunteer hours necessary for our members, the resources and experiences to help members grow, and the memories to remind us why we chose ASDA.
Favor: I hope to make everyone feel heard within ASDA. I know it can be overwhelming to join such a big organization, but I want others to see the friendly, welcoming, and receptive nature of ASDA. At the end of the day, ASDA is what it is because of its members, and I want every single member to feel like they have a voice and that they shape ASDA just as much as any of us do.
Bryan: As treasurer, I aim to maximize our organization’s budget so we can provide more memorable opportunities for our members to enjoy their time in ASDA. I hope to be able to support everyone in ASDA by being a dependable steward of our funds and by being someone who can be turned to at any time for anything, even non-ASDA-related topics. ASDA has given me so much, so I’ll do my best to pay it forward.
Thosam: I want to share the same love ASDA has shown to me with many others
Ricardo: I want people to look back at ASDA and genuinely say that they had a very fun time during my year. Behind all the work, professionalism, and dedication, there’s a fun side to it all where we are all college students bonding.
Meet the 2026-2027
ASDA OFFICER TEAM
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