Jasmine
In the eighth grade, my chemistry teacher asked all of our class on the first day of school if we had a superpower; if so, what would it be? Debating on my answer as she looped around the classroom, I finally said, “Healing, my superpower would be healing.” She paused for a moment before finally saying, “We should have more answers like that in this classroom. I hope you still carry that passion in the future.” An average physician does not look at someone’s smile first. They don’t see if that upturn meets their eyes or look at the history of each molar and canine and what story it has to tell. However, a dentist does. A smile goes a long way, especially when we face so much negativity and sorrow daily, no matter how big or small it might seem. I consider a dentist the front line of a medical team. Witnessing firsthand, several times, patients coming in to tell their life stories and explain their troubles, and seeing how one can look at their smile and tell a story of something deeper and more complex underneath. After polishing, they often call upon their allies (other physicians) for reinforcement to provide extra care and guide them in the right direction.
Due to my parents losing their jobs, I am currently fundraising for dental school applications on my own and do not want to continue adding financial pressure on them. As an undergraduate student at Virginia Commonwealth University now, I recognize how much of a privilege it is to be able to get access to STEM education, especially for those who do not have a STEM-oriented background and upbringing. As a female Chinese-American, I experienced gender inequality and racism firsthand, even though I have a supportive family with connections in the industry. I’d like to pursue it has still been an uphill battle trying to get even my foot through the door. With this cart, I believe I will be able to not only set myself up for success, but to take some of the funds I earn from raising this money and give back to an already marginalized community, so they have the chance and opportunity to further their own educations as well. In this world, the one thing no one should ever have taken away from them is their education. I hope to further push that, whilst still carrying empathy and compassion throughout, by intertwining business and healthcare.
