Graduate / Life goals and interests to know me better in the dental program [2]

In relation to my interests I have a scuba diver license and during the weekends I like to go diving with my friends. Doing this I not only have a good time but I learn about the aquatic species and the marine ecology. I am a member of SIERRA club. This is a club were you make different activities to help the environment like cleaning the beaches of Puerto Rico. Also we make activities like going to forests and visiting different cities.

Another interest that I have is working with communities. I have had several experiences working with the community since I was in high school. I have participated in missions related to religion where I bring food to people in need. In relation to the dental heath I have worked in different communities around Puerto Rico and South America doing dental work for the people in need. I will contribute helping others and improving their quality of life. When I help others I feel complete. I plan to continue working with communities after I graduate. This is the greatest experience anyone can have.

In relation to my personal goals I will get married on November. I want to enjoy quality time with my future husband. I also want to buy a house, become a mother and have kids. I think that the family should be the most important thing in a person's life. Sometimes we misplace our priorities and left our family behind. Most of all I want to be happy and make happy the people around me.

With respect to work life I plan to finish my studies and work in Puerto Rico. One of my aspirations is to create an association where I can help other people around the world. I like to learn the most from others and give the best of me to contribute to other people.

I think that for completing my goals and aspirations is very important to have a good attitude. Your attitude determines how far you can go in life. Another thing is continues education. Every day we learn new things that enriched our life. In addition we need physical and mental health. If you are not healthy physically and mentally, you won't be able to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

Graduate / Why you want to pursue postdoctoral dental education? [2]

Four years ago when I was applying for the dental school I never imagine that I would become in the person that I am today. I never imagine the sacrifice that was needed to complete the career as a dentist. This journey has been exciting and fulfilling in all of its aspects. Definitely, I learn that perseverance, maturity and sense of responsibility are required to succeed.

At this moment in my life I fell very pleased and happy of the achievements I have gained. I feel passion for my profession and I am sure that I choose to practice the right career. The better experiences that have confirmed my decision are seeing how the self-esteem some patients can be so dramatically changed by improving their oral health. Also I know that I have made a great contribution to the health of my patients overall. In addition I know I have made immense impact in the communities I have worked.

Having finished my doctoral studies I want to pursue postdoctoral education because I want to expand my knowledge and refine my skills specializing myself in the area of orthodontics. The study of orthodontics immediately has caught my attention since my second year in the School of Dental Medicine. That was the first time where I had the opportunity to know what that dental area was about.

During my third year of studies I had the chance apply all the concepts and theory that I learned during my fist and second year. The experience of practicing orthodontics and seeing firsthand what it involved was what make me decide that I wanted to specialized myself in that dental area.

During my preparation as a professional I have been part of the University of Puerto Rico and it would be an excellent experience to study outside of Puerto Rico to expand my knowledge, work with different dental techniques and to understand people with different backgrounds. In addition, it will help me to gain self-confidence and sensitivity. Also I will gain knowledge about the people and the community that I will be working on.

My professors and classmates describe me as leader, organized and reliable. I have demonstrated my leadership several times as being representative in different associations such as American Dental association, Hispanic Dental Association and American Student Dental Association. Also being treasurer of the Woman in Dentistry Association. Have being in those associations have given me the first opportunity to interact with other professionals in the dental area.

For the experiences I have had I know I am in the correct field and I really want to become a great professional. With the opportunity of being part of the Orthodontics program I know I will have a different experience and I will acquire more knowledge in a different aspect of dentistry. This will definitely help me to reach my goals and become a great professional.