This time of year, many of us slow down (just a little!) to reflect. With Thanksgiving around the corner, our thoughts of family and pumpkin pie are interspersed with gratitude and recognition for what makes us feel special. Our Editorial Board wanted to share with you some of the things for which we’re thankful this year.
My whole life, I’ve been surrounded by intelligent, accomplished, forward-thinking people. None of them are dentists. They range from lawyers to teachers to venture capitalists to water policy defenders. Even on the roughest days in dental school when I start to question my commitment, they push me to keep going. They have had faith in me all along, and I know they’re waiting with open arms across the graduation stage.
I’m thankful for the people who keep me motivated and passionate. My family is incredibly supportive, and I wouldn’t have gotten to where I am today without their love. Something as small as a five-minute call with them completely brightens my day and inspires me to keep working hard. My ASDA friends also understand and help me work through the challenges of dental school. A quick Snapchat exchange with friends at other schools makes me realize that we all face similar challenges and we overcome them together. I’m thankful for everyone who makes the little things in life so amazing.
As I go on the interview trail across the country, I’ve noticed something. The same faces keep popping up. Ohio, Virginia, Texas — all with the same company. Every first encounter with a shared coffee has been followed by second and third encounters with beers and a good time. I’m grateful to be surrounded by brilliant and genuinely great future dental colleagues.
I’m thankful that Buffalo had a massive three-day snowstorm in 2014. Past national ASDA VP Jordan Telin cornered me at a snow-day party and told me why I needed to come to Annual Session. Three years later, I landed on the Board of Trustees. Thank you, JT.
I am thankful for the opportunities that have been presented to me over the course of my dental school career. The two most rewarding were getting involved in research and ASDA. Participation in research and ASDA has provided me with invaluable experiences. If I had not had these experiences, I would not be the person I am today. Most importantly, I am thankful for my family support system that has allowed me to pursue these opportunities.
As I approach my final year of dental school, I have started to realize just how impactful a career in dentistry is. Whether it is resolving a patient’s acute pain from an infection or restoring their smile with dentures, dentistry has given us the ability to improve the quality of life of others on a daily basis. I am incredibly thankful to have the health, ability and luck to join this amazing profession.
I am thankful for life and the opportunity to care for my patients, my family and the individuals I encounter each day.
I am thankful because this year, I have an angel watching over me. This is my first Thanksgiving without my Nanie, after being at the head of my table since I was born. My first Thanksgiving without her hands in the kitchen or her story time before bed. I am thankful that I have the privilege of making her recipes, imagining her next instruction. I am thankful that I will share stories about her around my table. I am thankful that I am thriving in a school she prayed for me to get into, becoming the doctor she so proudly told everyone I was to be. I am thankful that I stand today as a brave and fearless woman because of the strong woman who came before me. This year, I am thankful to be her legacy.
Now that you’ve gotten to know us a little better, leave a comment to let us know what you’re thankful for!
Want to apply for next year’s Editorial Board? Learn more about the criteria and application deadlines.