What does Dentistry mean to you? Working in the field of dentistry requires hardworking dedicated individuals that have good communication and teamwork skills. Therefore, to me Dentistry means giving patients a sense of acceptance about their teeth while also giving them some guidance about how to better care for them. It has come to my realization that many patients view dentist as only helping to maintain good oral health. However, in my eyes this is not the case. Dentistry can make a difference to one’s life. I see many people around the world who were once insecure about their smile, but with the help of specialist in dentistry they have gained a sense of belonging. Not only can dentists fix a smile, but they also are genuine individuals. I have noticed every time I go to the dentist, they are eager to start a conversation and build a bond with me, that is what a dentist should strive to do. Not only does working in the field of dentistry acquires having good technique skills, but they also have the desired interpersonal skills as well. Why did you choose the profession of Dentistry? Since I was 13 years old, I have developed a passion to start a career in dentistry. I remember sitting in an orthodontist office where I was waiting to get braces and after leaving, I knew that this profession would be something I was interested in. While experiencing the friendly environment and outstanding service I was intrigued by the progress of my teeth. Ever since then I began to love going to the orthodontist every time I had an appointment. I was very amazed at how the end results came out to be after my braces were removed. It made me realize how much of a great impact that dentistry can have on changing one’s life. It changed my life, and I can firmly say I love my smile. Pursuing a career in dentistry will allow me to make this same change in others. Also, I discovered that my uncle was an oral surgeon, so I started shadowing at his office. While I was there, I became more interested in the field of dentistry. After seeing him and other specialists great work ethics and such advanced skills, I became eager to want to do the same. As a result, I started an internship at his office where I helped clean and prepare dental trays, comfort patients, and examine procedures. I enjoyed this experience, and I knew then that working in the field of dentistry is something I wanted to make a career out of. What would you bring to the field? There are various of traits that I possess which reflects the ideal dentist. The field of dentistry involves hardworking, caring, and talented individuals. I believe these qualities is a good way to describe who I am. All my years I attended school I have showed that I was a hardworking dedicated individual. I have been motived to never give up even when times are hard, which I feel is an important aspect in dentistry. I have also maintained a positive attitude and caring demeanor while growing up. I feel as though that this can make a huge difference while pursuing a career in the field of dentistry. In this field it is important that one has a positive attitude going in because being unmotivated only makes things worse. Also, I have developed effective leadership skills and communication skills that I am able to bring into this field. Being able to mentor a group of high school students has made me into the leader that I am today. With this being said, I am eager to show these qualities while pursuing a career in dentistry. What are your strengths and weaknesses and how are you planning on using them to matriculate the rigors of dental school? I have many strengths and weaknesses that I can identify within myself. Some weaknesses that I have would be that sometimes I am too hard on myself and often find myself being too nice. I feel as though being too nice to people can cause a lot of people to run over you, especially while acquiring a big position such as a manager or boss. I also believe that there is still room for me to improve in my communication skills. I can come off very shy at times and it is important that one knows how to communicate effectively when it comes to the working. However, some strengths that I can conclude about myself would be that I am dedicated, trustworthy, respectful, and a team player. I also have a lot of patience when it comes to arduous situations. I often see a lot of people struggle with having patience in which it is not that easy to obtain. I would use these strengths and weakness to matriculate the rigors of dental school by being motivated and not giving up throughout my journey in dental school. I will also be reliable when it comes to certain task in assignments. Being able to work well with others and be open to new ideas is something that I do best so I am eager to apply this in dental school. Also having a positive attitude and being respectful will allow me to get through rigorous times. My patience will also allow me to do so as well, based on how competitive dental school is. I want to develop effective communication skills all throughout dental school because it will allow a successful journey that isn’t very difficult. In addition, I won’t go as hard on myself because it would only make things go by slower and make my path extremely difficult. How would this scholarship help you reach your goal of becoming a Dentist? After experiencing 4 years as an undergraduate in college I have been through a lot of financial crises. Not receiving as many scholarships and having to apply for numerous of student loans has negatively impacted me. In addition, dental schools require countless amounts of debts which consist of paying for application fees, tuition, and registering for the DAT. Thinking about all those horrendous payments can be dreadful for many prospective candidates including myself. Therefore, receiving this scholarship won’t only benefit me financially it will also benefit my dental school application, As mentioned, I have never received any scholarships throughout my entire college experience so receiving this scholarship to help me reach my goals of becoming a dentist would be a memorable life changing experience. How does your personal code of ethics align with those of Dentistry? My personal code of ethics aligns with those of Dentistry in numerous ways. For example, I have gone all my life respecting others no matter the circumstance. In those of dentistry respect is very essential because it ensures that the patients can trust dentists and know that they are being cared for. Also, I feel as though my honesty can align with those of dentists as well. I have learned to be always truthful because being dishonest will only make problems worse. Being a dentist requires honesty because it allows the patients to be informed and diagnosed with the proper care. I have always thought it was necessary to treat others the same regardless of their background, race, looks, etc. It is only right to do so as discrimination is a big issue in society. In relation to those of dentistry, equality is what makes them so impactful. They can care and for others without discriminating. With this being said, my personal code of ethics is a perfect example of what describes those of dentistry. What does leadership mean to you? It was my sophomore year in college when I developed the ability to lead. I have discovered that this not an easy task and one must fit the qualities that makes up a leader. Therefore, to me leadership means being inspirational and being able to push a group forward no matter what happens. Having leadership can make a huge difference in one’s life. Not only does leadership requires being able to lead a group of people, but to also influence someone in the right path whether it be achieving their goals or helping them through tough situations. I always look at leaders as guidance and growth because without them we wouldn’t be where we are today. I often was influenced by many leaders, and it made me want to step out of my comfort zone and try leading myself. It felt good to know that I was greatly impacting others’ lives. For example, I was able to build a bond with rising African American high school seniors visiting The University of Mississippi by guiding and supporting them through the admission process and throughout their freshman year. Therefore, obtaining leadership is what made me better improve the person I am today.