Acceptance

How can anyone begin to explain the feeling of acceptance? A day can pass by without making a dent, but that day felt like an everlasting moment I can not explain. A dream come true is probably everyone's wish, right? Well, how would you feel If I said that my dream didn't come true because I never saw it as a dream? It was my reality the moment I laid eyes on it. I dreamed about it almost every night, yes, but I acted on it every day to reach this "dream". My reality was but a dream come true. A dream that felt fearful, a dream I even avoided at times.

The beauty of gaining acceptance is the instant relief, the instant understanding that you made it on your own. Every moment where I failed, every moment where I didn't understand why I couldn't be better, it all led to this day. The day I got a phone call at 8:07 AM. The day I heard the words, "Congratulations, you have been offered a seat at the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry."

I did it. The countless hours of studying for the DAT, the amount of money spent to even have the ability to study, it all felt worth it. My life after graduating from university felt almost like an instant flatline. Yes, I accomplished graduating from university with a degree in Biology which on its own was very difficult to achieve, but something wasn't right. I was unemployed for the first time since high school, I was at home trying to study every day, but I felt almost ashamed of myself. As the year went on I continued to study and study. I took my exam in July 2021 and accidentally clicked the end option. 500 dollars down the drain just like that. I couldn't believe that I let that happen, that I let my nerves get the best of me. I began studying for the test again and another obstacle came my way. I got COVID-19 for the first time, almost two weeks before my exam. I had to pause studying for those two weeks because I felt absolutely awful. My memory was fogged, my body felt weak, and I was not in the headspace to take a 5-hour exam.

Not taking the exam wasn't an option, since I made an innocent mistake on my first attempt I was allowed to retake the test and have my first score removed. However, that came with the condition that I could not reschedule my exam. So there I was, taking my exam with nothing but a foggy mind. I got an average score but average wasn't what I wanted. After what felt like the biggest disappointment in my life, I took a break. I stepped away from the books and thought maybe I should start working. I can't live at home for free and not help my mom. The new year came and I found myself working in a dental lab.

Around this time I felt excitement, I was surrounded by what I wanted to see, and envisioned myself being a dentist again. I put the DAT on pause and then slowly realized that this pause could not last for too long. Time was running up, and the application cycle was coming soon, I missed my chance last year, and I could not miss it again. I started to study again and truly put my heart into it. I focused, and most importantly I prayed the rosary every single day. I put my doubt aside and gave my worries to God. I focused on my one task, studying. Hours passed which turned into days and turned into months, and finally, I took my exam.

I passed, and I got a score I was partially content with. In some sections, I did incredibly, and in some sections, I felt mediocre. I was let down but silently pleased. I moved on to the next task which was writing my personal statement. Review and review and review and review until I finally felt satisfied. The application opened on June 1st. Of course, I delayed and submitted my application on July 20th. Now here comes the waiting game.

While the waiting game did its thing, I also did mine. I tried to push away the thought, but it slowly crept up on me every single day. A month passed by and I thought to myself, well, you can't deny the truth. I made a plan to start studying again and hopefully retake the test in time before December 15th (Acceptance Day). Now here is where it gets interesting. July 22nd a normal day for me at first became quite possibly the most rewarding time of my life. I got an email for an interview offer at the University of Detroit Mercy. My eyes couldn't believe it, my jaw was about to lock for how long it was left open. I cried silently and just kept looking at my phone and thanked God repeatedly. Did someone notice my efforts? Yes.

Time went by and I prepared for my interview. October 15th is a day I will never forget, and a day I will always celebrate. I was proud of my performance and joy was all I felt at the moment. I went to church right after my interview with my friends and I felt such a warm presence, a reassurance. I felt at peace that the decision was left to God to decide what was best for me. The waiting game began again and I thought, okay well I secured one interview I should be safe, but does any other school want me? Well, very silly Carla, the answer is Yes.

November 15th, frankly the most meaningful day to me for personal reasons, also became the day I was offered a second interview invitation at Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine. Oh, boy does my life feel amazing at this point. I felt like I was on top of my personal world. I was seen, finally, not by one institution but by two. Thank you, God, again.

And the waiting game began again. December 15th took a little too long to get here, but when it did, I sure was pleased. December 15th I was accepted to the University of Detroit Mercy School of Dentistry and was offered a scholarship. December 16th, I was accepted to Midwestern University College of Dental Medicine. I made it.

The journey that has yet to fully be explained, has come to an end. After dental school, in four years, I will be referred to as Dr. Sena. My name will have D.D.S beside it. Doctor of Dental Surgery. The young girl who only had one true passion growing up has made it. The girl from the Bronx with a widowed immigrant mother has finally made it. The girl who never understood how she'll get there, but knew she would, has truly made it.

I could write all day and explain my life story, but I hope this fraction of my life inspires you and anyone like me, to choose the high road. A dream will always stay a dream if you want it to. Reality only changes when you do.

Thank you, God, for giving me the strength every day to achieve what you have in store for me. It is only because of you, I have what I have, and can do what I need to do.

I took this photo the exact moment I got the email notification for my interview invitation. A moment of pure bliss. The next photo was taken after my interview, and the last photo was taken the day I got the best news of 2022.