Reflections

Hometown:
Greensboro, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
UNC Chapel Hill–Neuroscience B.S.

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
In addition to dentistry, I have several other passions. Painting is one hobby that allows me to release my emotions and creative side. I also like to watch and play sports to stay active and help with stress. I also enjoy going on hikes, especially when visiting my dad up in the Shenandoah Valley.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My passion for dentistry comes from the almost immediate impact we have on our patients' lives. I have seen faces light up when their smile is restored or when their pain is taken away. The enjoyment during these moments pushes me to want to learn more in order to help more people in the future.

Hometown:
Greenville, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of North Carolina Wilmington –Bachelor's degree in Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Lyda Sypawka, and I am a daughter, sister, bestfriend, girlfriend, aunt, and dental student. I find joy in camping, running, and creating/editing videos. I have played the violin for 18 years and appreciate the discipline it instilled in me.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because it can impact a person’s life in a variety of ways. Fixing a person’s smile can improve their health, professional life, and social life. I wish to be able to provide that wide range of help and service to my future community.

Hometown:
Wilmington, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
College of Charleston–B.S. in Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I grew up in Brooklyn, NY, where I was exposed to a cultural mix of ideas, personalities, and walks of life. My family then relocated to Wilmington, NC, where I lived until I moved to Charleston, SC, to attend the College of Charleston. Living in the southeast, I love the beach and the outdoors.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry allows one to apply comprehensive knowledge of the body’s function and interactions in a personalized and dexterous manner. Allowing patients to embrace a full and healthy lifestyle by leaving a unique life-long impact in an oral healthcare context is why I am passionate about dentistry.

Hometown:
Belmont, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of North Carolina at Charlotte–Biology B.S. Major

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I have a senior dog whom I've raised since 6 weeks old. I love to make digital drawings, play piano, train jiu-jitsu, and regularly visit the gym. I have two older brothers both of which are in the medical field. One of them is trying to support himself while the other is supported by my parents.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I feel that it is my duty to provide excellent and quality care. I think in order to improve oral health that I must use my heart and treat my patients as if they are family to enforce change--something that was not given to my parents who came over after the Vietnam War.

Hometown:
chapel Hill, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
Oral Roberts University–Theology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a second career student who spent my 20's in the context of working with religious non-profits. Much of that time was spent in health clinics abroad which led me to dentistry. I have a wide variety of interests from music, woodworking, gardening, and travel.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
It is the confluence of all of the skills that I spent the first 35 years of my life honing - problem solving, art, construction, engineering- all tied together with trust and empathy.

Hometown:
Claremont, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
High Point University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am originally from North Carolina and moved to Richmond for dental school. have a pet cat, and her name is Summer. Outside of school, I like to collect pig figurines. This collection began when I was a small child and continues today. I also enjoy jigsaw puzzles and reading.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am passionate about dentistry because I love science and love art. I truly believe that dentistry is where science meets art and that fits my interests really well. I also really value relationships and dentistry allows me to form trusting and caring relationships with my patients.

Hometown:
Pilot Mountain, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill–Biology (BS) and Chemistry (BA)

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am from North Carolina, one of four children. My family dog, Lily, is a miniature schnauzer-poodle mix. My hobbies include: exercise, basketball, weekend trips with friends and family and baking.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love dentistry because of the various rewarding roles a dentist can play. A doctor: treating disease orally and sometimes systemically by extension. An engineer: creating functional repairs to last a lifetime. An artist: restores a smile and boosts self-confidence.