Life I Have Been a Go-getter. I

¶ … life I have been a go-getter. I graduated from high school at 16 because I was eager to begin my college education. Currently I am working on dual Bachelor degrees. One will be in Biochemistry and the other will be in Psychology. The same personality trait that has allowed me to graduate from high school early, pursue a dual degree program and many other accomplishments, is what will turn me into a service orientated and dedicated dentist.

One of the things I have pursued as a University of California, San Diego student, is my membership in the campus "For Los Angelitos" club. One of the things we did as a club was to travel to poverty stricken areas and provide lessons about oral hygiene. Equipped with small bags filled with oral care products, we traveled to Tijuana, Mexico where we provided oral care education to the children of the area. Using oversized cardboard teeth and toothbrushes we demonstrated the proper way to brush as well as floss.

The children were eager to learn and willing to practice the skills that we taught them. It was then, that I knew, my life's calling was going to be in the field of dentistry. In addition to this trip, I have spent time giving back to the community with other activities as well. Some of them include serving as a Valencia Library Reading Mentor, and as a teaching assistance for Molecular Biology classes at UC, San Diego. I know that research is a driving force behind the field of dentistry.

I have been involved in several strong research projects and have contributed to them with knowledge and research skills I have developed over the years. The same drive that allowed graduating from high school early and pursuing dual degrees provided a strong foundation for my contribution to the research projects. My contributions to research include: Alfred E. Mann Foundation, Valencia, CA., December 01 - July 01. Design and implementation of the BION.

The BION is an injectable RF powered single-channel ceramic-cased implantable stimulator that can be implanted via a novel trocar-based implant tool or via surgical opening, near a nerve or into a muscle. The BION produces asymmetric biphasic constant-current pulses. Studies included: Scripps Institute of Oceanography, April 03- Current Assist in the design, fabrication, and calibration of laboratory and field instruments, oceanographic research devices, and engineering projects which utilize the Laboratory's unique suite of facilities.

Projects include ocean atmosphere testing, wind channels, wave basins, and many other oceanographic devices that are needed by the government and private institutions. Manual dexterity ability is extremely important in the field of dentistry and I have above average skills in this area as well. My rock climbing experiences have provided the opportunity to develop and strengthen these skills beyond the average person. Rock climbing requires an intense concentration and focus as well as the ability to problem solve on both an intellectual level and a physical level.

A also spent time performing machine assembly to assist in the design, fabrication, and calibration of laboratory and field instruments, oceanographic research devices, and engineering projects at Scripps Institute of Oceanography. The assembly of these machines required close work and manual dexterity skills working with small, sensitive parts and machines. While many students believe they have the stamina to persevere, I have evidence of my ability to do so. On September 22, 2001, I was the passenger in a major traffic accident.

By the time the ambulance arrived I was paralyzed from the waist down. The diagnosis was serious, possible spinal damage, several lacerations throughout my body and extreme whiplash. The doctors recommended that I drop out of school for several quarters because of the pain I was in and the need for intensive physical therapy sessions. My education is so important to me that I decided to stay in school and do it all. Reading, writing and attending classes was extremely painful as my body worked to recover.

I refused to give up. I crammed doctor appointments, physical therapy sessions and other medical needs around my school schedule. I refused to let anything get in the way of my learning process. While my grades suffered, as is demonstrated on my transcripts during that period, I did it, I managed to finish the year, much to the amazement of medical professionals and family members.

Today I am stronger than ever before and confident that I can maintain the rigorous schedule of dental school regardless of what may come up during my attendance. As my physical health improved and there were fewer required appointments for medical issues I was able to return to my usual academic abilities and now know there is nothing I cannot accomplish once I set my.