Reflections

Hometown:
Danville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Christopher Newport University –Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I taught at a rural high school for 5 years and then got my M.S. in Anatomy before coming to VCU. I spend a lot of my time running (former XC/track coach), sitting in coffee shops, and kayaking with one of my 3 siblings. I’m looking forward to graduation so I can have multiple Australian shepherds.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry allows me to combine several of my passions. I love caring for others and providing a service that relieves pain and discomfort while supporting my community. I love science and education, which I can do each day with patients and perhaps in the future as I continue on as an educator.

Hometown:
Durham, North Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
Meredith College–Biology, Chemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I immigrated from Pakistan. I grew up with economic hardships. I pursued my education diligently and earned an MBA, during which I gained valuable experience. Outside of school, I enjoy reading, gardening, and helping florists.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
My passion stems from the fusion of both artistic and technical elements. I value the emphasis on focused patient care. Building upon my business background, I also appreciate the significance of dental practice management, patient relationships and its impact on enhancing patients’ quality of life.

Hometown:
Richmond , Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
George Mason University–Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My name is Manar. I am a rising D4 student at VCU SoD. Some of my hobbies include writing, cooking, singing, hiking, knitting, and Arabic Calligraphy Art. We immigrated to the U.S. Eight year ago for a better education opportunity and my family settled in Northern Virginia.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Being an artistic person and having the passion to serve others, I realized that dentistry is a perfect combination of service and esthetic. My passion has only grew since starting dental school. Participating in many community service opportunities has been rewarding.

Hometown:
Manassas, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia –Systems and Information Engineering

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
Growing up in a military family, I gained an appreciation for travel early on. I am open-minded, inclusive, and inquisitive with a profound appreciation for my home: Virginia. With an engineer’s attention to detail, I approach dentistry with the passion and fastidiousness of an artisan.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry has allowed me to apply my professional and technical skills to heal and educate my community. This past year, I used my engineering skills to develop a new dental innovation aimed to protect dental professionals from bur sticks. My project won 1st place at the annual VCU research day.

Hometown:
Herndon, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
Emory University–Bachelors in Biology and French

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I was born and raised in South Korea and moved to the US when I was 9. My fiancé is a rising D4 at VCU SoD and we’re planning our wedding right now that will be held in Korea this winter. I’m also in love with my munchkin cat named Fanta and bubble tea.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I love that learning doesn’t stop with dentistry. It offers lifelong learning as well as relationships that not many other professions do. Dentistry truly is a beautiful profession that incorporates science, art and technology to give everyone the smile and confidence that they deserve.

Hometown:
Cape Coral, Florida

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Florida–BS (Biology)

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am excited to say I am recently engaged! Four years ago, my fiancé and I met because I was his organic chem TA. I have a chubby cat named Neil! For fun, I love being outside and enjoying physical fitness. I really love painting and recently picked up watercolor! I am trying to paint every weekend.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
Dentistry is a unique profession that allows me the opportunity to help people in so many ways! You can get someone out of pain and reinstall someone's confidence on the same day. To me, this is a limitless profession where I can learn every day to provide excellent service to my community.

Hometown:
Mt Pleasant, South Carolina

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia–BA Biology

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
My faith and my family are of utmost importance to me. My favorite way to spend time is outdoors, with my husband Davis and our very lovable (and slightly crazy) golden retriever Winnie. I love to visit my family in Charleston, SC, which is both my home and my favorite place in the world.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I want to use my career first and foremost as a means to serve others, and dentistry is a way in which I can tangibly do this. I respect the generous dentists I know who give a half-day a week to CrossOver Ministries or multiple weekends a year to MOM Projects, and I plan to use my career similarly.

Hometown:
Charlottesville, Virginia

Undergraduate school/degree:
University of Virginia– Biochemistry

Tell us a little bit about yourself:
I am a rising 3rd year dental student. Past two years, I was involved in different activities in the dental school, such as leadership, volunteer, and research. In my spare time, I enjoy playing board games and hanging out with my friends.

Why are you passionate about dentistry?
I am excited to be able to contribute to the community’s well-being with the skills and techniques that I learned in the dental school. I know I have a long way to learn more, but for the time being, I am happy to be of service within my ability.