I have just finished my first week of the SEP Program. It’s been an extremely stressful one for both me and the other scholars, and I’ve found a few of the classes difficult, especially Physics. There’s something about the class that just isn’t “clicking” for me, yet. Although it could be easy to get discouraged, the program contains too many resources for us to fail. I’ve gained help from other students in the program, and am already taking advantage of the Supplemental Instruction that the program provides.
I’m starting to get used to the intensity of the program. I came to SEP expecting all of the students to only have the basic concepts of the sciences, but many of them have taken these classes and have a stronger foundation in the courses than I do. For students like me, this means that the amount of time spent studying and preparing for exams needs to be far greater than what other students may need to put in. I’m trying not to stress about grasping the information at the same rate as other students. My goal is to focus on ways to grasp the conceptual information and utilize it to better develop a concrete foundation for future course work.
Next Wednesday, we (the pre-dental students) will be shadowing our first dentist. I’m looking forward to this opportunity because it will be my first time working one-on-one with a dental professional. I hope that through this shadowing opportunity, I’ll be able to find the underlying passion for dentistry. I’m “hungry” for what fuels a dentist to walk into his/her office every morning and say, “I’m ready to make a difference in someone’s life”. I want to experience that passion of one day waking up knowing that I can spend another day doing something that I love! That’s one of the many reasons why I am in the program this summer – exposure that I don’t think I could have gained anywhere else.
Overall, this first week has been challenging. The rigor of SEP has been an eye opener for me and other SEP scholars. I know that when I go back to NC State, not only will I have a stronger foundation in these courses, but I feel that I’ll be able to be a stronger student, and more knowledgeable about the heath care field as a whole.
I’m looking forward to the upcoming weeks.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Friday, May 23, 2008
Embracing opportunity
I came to the SEP program with one goal in mind: “Opportunity”.
The opportunity in which this program can offer the young minds of future health professionals is truly remarkable. We moved into Horton Hall on Saturday, May 17th 2008 and shortly after that, we had orientation. As I sat through the orientation, I began to think about being considered one of the “chosen few”.
As I listened to both Ms. Benton and Ms. Borden, I began to think about the next 8 weeks. Sure, I could spend my summer relaxing, watching television or even working a part time job, but to me, that would not be the “opportunity” that I am so thankfully embracing right now. I just don't feel that I would have been utilizing the best that I have to offer.
In today's world, you have to be resourceful, and sitting around at home is not the best use of my time nor my talents. This is an OPPORTUNITY, I can't stress that enough. It is something that many applied for, yet only a FEW were admitted. To me, that speaks volumes.
Overall, I felt that the first day was very informative. There was a lot of information thrown at us, and much of it I did not know. I sat in orientation getting more and more excited as the day went by. I knew that there would be plenty of work, and was even warned that this would be a true “summer to remember”.
Despite all of that, I, along with the other scholars, feel that we are very capable and ready to embrace this journey.
The first day of class was interesting. I have NEVER had organic chemistry in my life, so everything that we were taught Monday was new to me. I went into the class with an open mind, but as the class went on, I became slightly overwhelmed. I think the best thing about this program is that we really are a family. Unlike our individual universities where students may feel the need to compete, the SEP Program embodies a solid family foundation of both friendly and like-minded students who are willing to help each other. I have found students over the last couple of days who have tutored me in both Organic and Physics (the two classes that I have never taken before).
This is such a remarkable experience for anyone who is granted this opportunity. The administration and faculty are very approachable and truly have an invested interest in the future and success of the participants.
The opportunity in which this program can offer the young minds of future health professionals is truly remarkable. We moved into Horton Hall on Saturday, May 17th 2008 and shortly after that, we had orientation. As I sat through the orientation, I began to think about being considered one of the “chosen few”.
As I listened to both Ms. Benton and Ms. Borden, I began to think about the next 8 weeks. Sure, I could spend my summer relaxing, watching television or even working a part time job, but to me, that would not be the “opportunity” that I am so thankfully embracing right now. I just don't feel that I would have been utilizing the best that I have to offer.
In today's world, you have to be resourceful, and sitting around at home is not the best use of my time nor my talents. This is an OPPORTUNITY, I can't stress that enough. It is something that many applied for, yet only a FEW were admitted. To me, that speaks volumes.
Overall, I felt that the first day was very informative. There was a lot of information thrown at us, and much of it I did not know. I sat in orientation getting more and more excited as the day went by. I knew that there would be plenty of work, and was even warned that this would be a true “summer to remember”.
Despite all of that, I, along with the other scholars, feel that we are very capable and ready to embrace this journey.
The first day of class was interesting. I have NEVER had organic chemistry in my life, so everything that we were taught Monday was new to me. I went into the class with an open mind, but as the class went on, I became slightly overwhelmed. I think the best thing about this program is that we really are a family. Unlike our individual universities where students may feel the need to compete, the SEP Program embodies a solid family foundation of both friendly and like-minded students who are willing to help each other. I have found students over the last couple of days who have tutored me in both Organic and Physics (the two classes that I have never taken before).
This is such a remarkable experience for anyone who is granted this opportunity. The administration and faculty are very approachable and truly have an invested interest in the future and success of the participants.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
A passion and a purpose
I believe that the fundamental purpose of the dental profession is to provide others with adequate oral health care through the evaluation, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases and disorders in order to promote an individual's overall health. At the root of these ideals, one must posses an unwavering desire to help other people from various social, cultural, and economic backgrounds.
It was not until my junior year in college that I realized that many people don't understand the importance of good oral hygiene nor do they have access to it. The only way I know to change this is to become actively involved in providing affordable and adequate health care to others. It is my desire to become a dentist and eventually open a practice in an under-served community. I believe that I not only posses the necessary work ethic and cognitive capacity to pursue a career in dentistry, but I also maintain a deep regard for helping people.
I know that a career in dentistry will be challenging, but my participation in the SEP Program will provide the foundation necessary to launch a career in public service and dentistry. As an African American male in the dental profession, I believe that I would not only add diversity to the field but also serve as a mentor and example for future generations.
It was not until my junior year in college that I realized that many people don't understand the importance of good oral hygiene nor do they have access to it. The only way I know to change this is to become actively involved in providing affordable and adequate health care to others. It is my desire to become a dentist and eventually open a practice in an under-served community. I believe that I not only posses the necessary work ethic and cognitive capacity to pursue a career in dentistry, but I also maintain a deep regard for helping people.
I know that a career in dentistry will be challenging, but my participation in the SEP Program will provide the foundation necessary to launch a career in public service and dentistry. As an African American male in the dental profession, I believe that I would not only add diversity to the field but also serve as a mentor and example for future generations.
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