Why did you choose to pursue a career in healthcare?
I am congenitally missing multiple teeth, so I spent a great deal of time in the dental chair at a very young age. With oligodontia, I hated my smile growing up, but as I progressed throughout my dental treatment with the help of general dentists, orthodontists, and oral surgeons, I started to love my smile. My smile transformation gave me confidence and improved my quality of life; in return, I wanted to do the same for others, which is why I pursued dentistry.
What were some meaningful extracurricular activities that you were involved in while at UConn?
I was very active in the Iranian Student Association of UConn and was president for two years. I also worked as a resident assitant in the East and Northwest campuses. I also played on the women's rugby team for all four years.
What were some challenges you have faced along your healthcare journey so far, and how have you overcome them?
I was the first person in my family to apply to dental school, so it was really hard trying to find information about the application process and getting clear knowledge about the AADSAS portal. Through the help of friends, Dr. Abbott, and a lot of google searching, I was able to find my way and best prepare for the AADSAS application and how to build a strong application. I always met with Dr. Abbott once a semester (multiple times the semester I was going to apply) to make sure I was on track and get as much advice as possible on how to continue being a strong applicant.
What are some ways that you take care of your mental health and overall wellbeing?
The best thing I did for my mental health was remain balanced. I was balanced in the sense that I made sure to make time for my family, friends and activities I enjoyed. Taking only 30 minutes a day to hangout with friends or calling home acted as a great catharsis and it gave me a break from worrying about academics and the workload some extracurriculars came with. Remember to make time for yourself!
What advice do you have for aspiring pre-health students?
The best advice I could give to pre-health students is to stay organized and balanced throughout your time at UConn. Balancing your semesters and workload while also maintaining extracurricular activities just allows you to develop into a strong applicant. By taking multiple hard classes and stressing yourself out, the only person you will be hurting is yourself. By being mindful when picking classes and concentrating on a few extracurriculars at a time, you will excel both academically and personally. When it comes to the application process, it is really important to mark out critical dates and be prepared. Prior to the AADSAS application opening, I had already finished my personal statement and had written out the summaries of each activity I wanted to include in my dental school application. By planning ahead and staying organized, the application process was less stressful and it allowed me to put 99% of my concentration and energy towards doing well on the DAT.
What’s something that you wish you knew when you were in college?
I wish I knew more about dental school curriculums prior to applying to several schools. I chose to apply to schools based on their location and I wish I took more time in college to analyze the different curriculums and make better choices about where I applied.