Career Program: Dental Hygienist
Originally From: Neenah
Current Residence: Sherwood
Age: 25
Years of Attendance at FVTC: Fall 2016 – Spring 2023
Why did you choose to study this field?
As a child, I always enjoyed going to the dentist. Dental health and how it can affect the rest of your body is very interesting to me and even as I’ve grown older and heard about how difficult the program could be, I knew it was what I wanted to do. I’m also a huge people person and knowing I could positively help the community made me feel very happy and excited to work in this field.
Tell us how you came to choose FVTC for your education.
FVTC has always been the college of choice for me. There are only so many colleges in Wisconsin that offer programs in dental hygiene and FVTC was only 15 minutes from home. I also met the love of my life in high school (yes, high school sweethearts) and I didn’t want to venture too far away from him. It was all worth it as we have been married for three years and I couldn’t be happier with each decision I have made up to this point and that absolutely includes choosing to attend FVTC. I have now received two degrees from FVTC including my technical diploma in Dental Assistant and my associate degree in Dental Hygienist.
What’s been the most rewarding part of your educational journey at FVTC?
I think the most rewarding part of being a graduate of FVTC is seeing how much I have grown since I’ve been here. I remember year after year, I would look back at where I was the year before and just be so proud of how far I’ve come. It’s crazy how fast time flies when you’re reaching your goals. It’s just so exciting!
What was the most difficult part?
There were a couple of difficult parts of my time at FVTC and the first would be the wait for me to get into the program. The other difficult part was the Dental Hygienist program itself. It is a very rigorous program, and the requirements are very strenuous. I was lucky to have a ton of support from friends and family, however, the program is not built for the weak. It’s such a great accomplishment though, once you’re done!
What will you do on graduation day or in the future to celebrate graduation?
Of course, I want to make sure I celebrate my mama and all her hard work as it will be Mother’s Day as well! I also have a graduation party planned in June with a couple of other girls whom I am graduating with from the Hygienist program. I am very excited to celebrate our accomplishments
Tell us about your plans after graduation.
After graduation, I plan to work full-time at a private dental office. I have already been hired at my dream practice and as I wait for my official Dental Hygienist Wisconsin License to come in, I will be doing some other dental duties at the practice. I also want to go on to earn my bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene so I do plan on doing that within the next year or so.
One last parting thought or words of wisdom to share with others.
Don’t give up on your dreams. Even though it can look so far away and out of reach, it’s not. Before you know it, you’ll be holding that degree in the palm of your hand and saying, “I finally did it!”
“Do or do not. There is no try.” – Master Yoda
