"I walked an unconventional path to dentistry. After graduating from Grinnell College with a double major in Theatre & Dance and Chemistry, I worked as an Assistant Technical Director building sets and making stage props, and then as a Scientist at a renewable energy startup. My interest in dentistry didn’t take root until a work trip in Washington State where I stayed at a young dentist’s AirBnB. While shadowing him between work, I found that dentistry combined many aspects that I enjoyed in theater and renewable energy. There were opportunities aplenty to connect with others, work with one’s hands, and provide a service that tangibly and directly improved the quality of fellow community-members’ lives.
As I prepare to enter my fourth year, I can easily say that coming back to school was the right decision. Dental school has been a wild ride, filled with a variety of experiences, both good and bad, but certainly all memorable: Late nights of studying fueled by caffeine, unprecedented times thanks to Covid-19, and meaningful patient interactions. And let’s not forget the best part: new friendships with bonds stronger than the best 3-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system.
However, for all that I have gained from dental school, it comes with an obvious mental, physical, and financial cost. I want to thank the Iowa Dental Foundation for making the scholarship possible and helping to lower the financial burden of achieving my dreams!"