First Year Recap

D1 has come to an end.

My first year of dental school has ended, can you believe that? This doesn't feel real at all! I just started school, I just moved to Michigan! Where did all the time go?

My time was spent studying endlessly and sleeping until the very last minute I could. My first year of dental school felt like something out of a movie. I, the protagonist, finding my way around a new city and new people. Little did I know I would change. Did I change for the better? I am not exactly sure, but I do know I am not the same person I was when I started dental school.

Here is a recap of my first year.

My first day I was so excited and nervous yet so tired. I remember being in simulation clinic and receiving my instruments and my typodont. The only thought going on in my mind at the time was "wow, I truly did make it". The first week of dental school felt like 3 weeks of college but I somehow really enjoyed it. I missed the feeling of academic stress if that makes sense.

As time went by and more exams flew by, I felt a sense of relief and enjoyment. For the first time I was doing so well academically even with such hard material; I felt invincible. I learned so many things and I finally held a drill and prepped so many teeth. My first semester flew by but It was strangely so satisfying. Don't get me wrong, I was in constant panic because I had maybe a total of 30 exams in the span of 4 months but I was enjoying every second of it.

Now we head to second semester, where things took a turn.

Second semester I felt an overwhelming joy of happiness because I truly was myself. I didn't hide my personality anymore and I just let myself be. I studied with new people and I studied in new places. I laughed so much and I studied so so so much. But I found myself not having purpose anymore. I let go of that desire that kept me going first semester and I let pride lead my second semester, which is never a good combo.

I found failure my first semester, but overall I found faith. I started a bible study and through lent I started reading the bible every morning, and I slowly started to be the person I once was. Ironically so I was the most me and most unlike me my second semester of dental school. How does that make sense you ask? I have no idea how to explain it but I hope you understand or at least get the picture.

Fast forward to clinical exams. I failed my first clinical exam and I felt a sense of defeat. It was the easiest prep to do, yet, I failed? How could that be, was I not practicing enough? The answer is no. Sometimes failure is the best thing that can happen to you. Thankfully, I met with failure again. I failed my second clinical exam as well and I actually have to redo it when I start my second year, and I am so beyond happy.

I got to practice so much with Dr. Vero over the break and I finally understand dentistry. I understand what I should do and why, all thanks to Dr. Vero (the best mentor on earth).

Dental school has been a roller coaster so far but I am so thankful and happy that God has bigger plans for me than I can imagine. I will never forget my first year and I will never forget the feeling of failure. With second year around the corner, I will be myself and enjoy every day that I have been given. Today will soon become only yesterday, and I want everyday to count.

" This is the day the Lord has made; Let us rejoice and be glad in it" Psalm 118:24

Enjoy some photos of my D1 year!