1/8 a dentist

Wow! It has been a while since I've updated. I guess that indicates how incredibly busy I've been!

As a class, we have now finished our first "semester" of dental school. That means we are 1/8 of the way to graduation. It is pretty crazy how long, but quick these past six months have gone by. The days and weeks are long, but the months fly by. I have completed and passed 20 classes, worth the equivalent of almost four undergraduate semesters. I feel like I have just lived through a tornado going 100 miles per hour. I have lost a lot of sleep, down time, and time with friends, but I survived. I didn't get to home very much, but I was so busy with school I didn't really think about it.

We started out as classmates, from all different states, backgrounds, beliefs, experiences. We were all brought to the same place, because we all have the same passion. There were very few people who knew each other coming into school, but now we all know each other. I love having a small class of only 42 students. We are all going through the same thing and having 41 other people understand is great. It allows us to be closer because we are so small and don't have 100 other people "competing". We all support each other and help each other out. Everyone has their own forte and their own weakness, but we even it all out between our classmates. 

We started by doing simple stuff together, like working out and eating dinner. When we first started class, our course load was jam-packed full of tests. We had a test almost every single day for the first few months. Therefore, there was very little time to do much of anything else. Then, as school started weaning itself down to systems (head & neck, cardiopulmonary. etc.) instead of basics (histology, biochemistry, microbiology, etc.), we had more time to get to know each other. A few of us played in a powder puff football game that was the first year students against the second years.

We had a Halloween party, where most of the girls dressed up as tooth fairies in honor of our profession. It was really fun to see everyone's twist on the fairy we all grew up imagining. 

The girls had a scarf exchange, where we all got together one night after a class finished and spent some quality time getting to know everyone even better. Our class has 25 girls and only 17 boys, so the girls pretty much over rule the boys in everything. 

Then, to finish off the semester right, our WONDERFUL faculty and staff threw both dental classes a Christmas party to help us take our minds off of studying for a little while. I want to brag on our staff, they care so much about us, our education, and our well-being. All of them would literally do anything to help us through a tough time or illness. They ask our feedback on everything, which to us gets annoying, but I think it is awesome how much they care how it's affecting us. They provide goodies, lunch, and gifts for us out of the goodness of their hearts. They give us their cell phone numbers so we can call them at literally any hour, if we need them. 

I am so incredibly thankful, blessed, and honored to be part of this legacy. I am going to one of the best schools in the country, and to think that it wasn't my first choice all along. God knew what he was doing when he put me here, and I am so humbled that I have the opportunity to become a dentist with this education. Some days I wake up and don't want to get up to go to class, because of how exhausted I am, but then I remember how incredibly blessed I am to have the opportunity to become a dentist. Someday I am going to be a dentist and be able to look back at the times spent in school with all my classmates and it will all seem so short. I don't want to take these moments for granted and the memories that are being and will be made at this little, new school.

Reality & Advice

Almost one month into dental school and I can proudly say I have passed my first three classes.
What a whirlwind these few weeks have been.

I started dental school thinking it would be hard, because of course becoming a medical professional is going to be tough. It should be, you have people's lives in your hands. You don't want your doctor or dentist being unsure about anything or not being trained appropriately. However, the image I had of dental school was completely off. Going to a tough undergrad school, classes were rough, tests were hard, and teachers weren't that helpful at times. But, that was nothing compared to what I face on a daily basis now. Let me be very clear, I am 100% excited, happy, honored, and blessed to be sitting where I am today. I just want to be honest for those of you who are pursuing dentistry/medical professions. Nothing you do is going to prepare you for what you face in dental school. I am in school from 8-5 nearly everyday (we occasionally get out a little early!). After I leave school I come home, eat dinner, and study until the minute I go to bed. I wake up the next day at six, get to school early and study before class, and do it all over again. I learn one subject at a time, so I will have 4-6 hours of lecture a day over the same subject. I just finished Microbiology which was learning 150-250+ powerpoint slides of information each night. We had a test everyday in that class and were expected to know detailed information, not just basic ideas or concepts. Details like what fungus causes a certain disease, or what bacteria causes traveler's diarrhea. Therefore, you really have to know how to study, and do it well. You can't just get a general idea and succeed. Many of us have studied for hours and hours and still failed tests. The amount of information we learn each day is unreal. Sometimes I just sit there and think, how on earth am I going to remember all this stuff? But guess what, you work through it, make it work, and pass. Grades don't matter, getting through it does.

When people say that professional school is like trying to drink out of a fire-house it is not an overstatement. Trying to absorb all the information presented and remembering it all is a real challenge, but once again I say, it is suppose to be hard. All of our faculty keep telling us over and over that getting into dental school is the hardest part. Maybe not work-wise or difficulty, but once you are in, you just have to push through. Work hard to get in and you'll be golden.

Some advice for those pursuing professional school:
1. Take as many science classes as you possibly can in undergrad.

• I didn't take any extra science classes because I was in such a time crunch to graduate in 3 years, that I literally didn't have time to take any other classes. However, I think the more information from different subjects that you can get exposed to the better. Even though you won't come in knowing everything, you've at least seen vocabulary and been exposed to ideas. Which is always good to have a foundation, because you will be building on top of it. 

2. Learn how to study.

• Most people that get into dental school are very intelligent and probably didn't have to study that hard in undergrad. From personal experience, I know that I never really had to find a study method that really worked for me. I did different techniques for different classes and just made it work. But, I don't have time for that. I have to literally read from slides, write important stuff down, and remember as much as I can. I think it would be so beneficial to find your best study method before you get here. If I studied like I do now in undergrad I think I would have had a 4.0. Learning how to study is different for everyone and is it so helpful to use resources and try out different methods. I just finished a week of having a test every single day from Tuesday-Wednesday (the next one). You don't have time to take your time studying, or learning the best way for you. Learn now!

3. Really learn the information in your classes.

• If I would have actually learned all the information in my classes, I would be able to recall things a lot easier. The more information you know, the easier it is to build on it and to learn different/new information instead of using precious time reteaching yourself stuff you've already been taught. 

4. It's okay to fail.

• Nobody is perfect. Get that into your brain. No one is going to live life mistake-less. When you fail, get back up, learn from your mistakes, and keep moving. 

I have learned so much in just a few short weeks, that seem like months. I am so happy to be in dental school and somedays I wake up and feel like I'm dreaming wearing scrubs and a name tag to school everyday. Although it sucks somedays, losing sleep, having no social life, and stressing like crazy, I am so blessed to be sitting in dental school. I know there are tons of people who would kill to be sitting in my seat, and I never, not even for one day, want to take for granted the amazing opportunity I have been granted. I can't believe that I have already finished three dental school classes, and passed! Literally some days I thought, how on earth am I going to pass this class. But, God provides and I just keep on studying and doing my best, and He takes care of the rest. 

I guess some people might want to know what my first three classes were. 

1. Histology, Embryology, & Genetics
2. Molecular & Cell Biology (Biochemistry)
3. Microbiology

We have also started our dental sciences class, oral medicine, and ethics, which are all classes that we have every once in a while throughout the semester. I started Clinical Concepts today. 

Thank you everyone for your support, and forgiveness for my rude ignoring and declining of invitations. I am so busy, I hope you can understand and forgive me. I miss everyone and can't wait till I can have some much needed reunions. I will try to update again in a few weeks, but may be longer than that! 

Something I tell myself everyday

"Do your best, & forget the rest!"

                                                 -Tony Horton, P90X

Beginning of the Future

Well, well, well, I have officially survived my first week of dental school. Let me just begin to say that nothing, I mean NOTHING can prepare a person for the academic rigor of dental school. I thought I would be alright after being pushed so hard at Truman State, but it's like starting all over again.

Last Saturday I received my white dental lab coat, a sign of the health profession, and was "sworn in" to being the best dentist I can be. This ceremony was pretty cool, with dean's and student's giving speeches. It was probably one of the most touching ceremonies I've been to and I know will be unforgettable. We do the white coat ceremony as soon as you start school (instead of before the third year), because they believe that as soon as you start school you are in the dental profession. I think that is a neat idea since we really are working our way towards being a dentist even when we are taking courses in the classroom.

After the white coat ceremony, we started classes on Monday. Monday, we had two different classes. Oral Medicine is a class we take throughout the next six months and is mostly focused on completing a case study. We also had Dental Sciences, which is also a class we take throughout the next six months. We were able to go to the cadaver lab and have a review over anatomy terms. 

These classes are set up differently than most of my classes, because usually we will take one class at a time for four to ten days, take an exam, and move on to the next course. That being said, I took Histology & Embryology Tuesday through Friday. We had three-four hours of lecture a day, covering the equivalents of a whole semester course in just four days. We had lab each afternoon, where we used a program on our iPads to look at tissues and all the different cells, structures, and aspects on microscope slides. It's a pretty cool program, and a lot easier to use than a microscope. Along with this course, we had a "quiz" on Thursday, that I would compare to a midterm. It was very detailed and specific over information we had learned the two days prior. To finish up the course we have a lab practical on Monday, over all the tissues we looked at in lab, and a final on Tuesday. Then, on Wednesday we move onto our next course. As you can see, there isn't really enough time to really learn everything as well as you want, and certainly not enough time to procrastinate. 

I have been struggling to get enough studying in. It's hard, because a way that works for me is to make a study guide. But, by the time I have made a study guide, I don't have time to study it. Therefore, I have to find a new technique to be able to study the material, learn it, understand it, and remember it in less than a week. Each day we are loaded with more information, so there isn't time to wait for the next day, because by then you are just swamped with information. I think the most important thing is managing my time, and making sure I'm staying caught up. There is no time to get ahead with this much information flying at you everyday. 

Although all I do is study now, I really am enjoying it. I am SO glad I chose to come here. Everyone is so supportive, and the faculty and staff go out of their way to take care of us. We got a new backpack, water bottle, and a gift card to the best restaurant around here among other things. Knowing that at other schools students are competing, and classes are too big for the professors to know the students, makes me so happy to be a student here. The main focus is to become a family, and help each other succeed. We already competed to get to dental school, now we are here and we don't need to anymore. 

There are a couple other things that are unique about my school. Most schools take two full years to complete their basic sciences and take Part I of the boards. But here, we take all the sciences in six months (hence the jam-packed schedule) and we will take our boards next summer. This leaves more time for practice of the dental procedures, and experience. Also, we have a dress code of scrubs or business. The medical school doesn't have a dress code and it's kind of funny to see them or walk around them, because it's so easy to tell us apart that way. We have to go to class and have to maintain professionalism. It is a class each semester, and the deductions carry on to the next semester. So, it is most beneficial to just follow the rules. I feel so at home here and have already made really good friends. I'm so excited to get to go through dental school with them and learn and support each other. 

I have lots to learn so, time to go study more!

Preparation

Wow, it's crazy to think that I start dental school in just a few weeks. I've waited so many years for this moment. People have asked me if I'm nervous or scared. The answer is no. I am SO excited to begin my career as a dental student!

I graduated from Truman State University on May 10th with over 1,000 other students. Ever since then I have been working as a nanny Tuesday through Thursday and coming home Friday through Monday to spend time with my boyfriend, family, and church friends. I've really been trying to savor the moments I have at home, because once I start school the trips home are going to become very scarce. My dental school doesn't run by semesters. I have a week off in September for fall break, three days off for Thanksgiving, two weeks off for Christmas and New Years, a week for spring break, and three weeks for summer. Except for these breaks, I don't know when I will find the time to come home. I will be in school Monday through Friday 8-5, so it's pretty much a job.

Over the past few weeks I have been shopping for all of the required materials for school. My grandparents bought me an iPad for graduation, because it is required of all students. I will take all my tests on it and use it to take notes in class. It has been nice to have it so I can get used to using it before I start school. My parents bought me five pairs of scrubs and a bunch of business clothes. My dress code is either scrubs (royal blue or ceil blue) or business casual. So long, fair well, to those college days of walking into class with running shorts and a t-shirt, or even jeans. Good thing scrubs are comfortable! My aunt bought me a new backpack, which was much needed after using the same backpack through my college years. We've been getting a ton of stuff for my new apartment that my younger brother and I will share. Going from sharing things between three people to needing everything on your own. That's what I call a shopping spree. You don't realize how much stuff you need. I officially move in on July 8th and am really leaning on friends to help me. I start my orientation week the next day, so it will literally be a one day move. So much craziness, but I am so blessed to have so many friends willing to help! Beyond blessed.

I am really looking forward to meeting all of my new classmates and making new friends. It's kind of like starting college all over again, really. It's so cool to imagine the class dynamics, and how we will become our own little community. I'm excited for the class leadership to develop, the study partners, and the support to come from peers.

If you have extra time in the next couple of weeks you can be praying for the following: Health, my body has been fighting off an infection for the past month and prayers would be appreciated for healing. Community among the new dental and medical classes. Safety, as everyone will be moving to school in the next few weeks, some from very far away. Provision, dental school is VERY expensive and all the things we need add up very quickly. Prayers for God to provide in miraculous ways. Comfort, many of the people moving will be alone and far from anyone they know. Prayers for their comfort as new friendships begin to form. Lastly, prayers for my heart, I want to be such a Christ-like example with my life that others see Him instead of me. Pray that I will be transparent, loving, accepting, and a helper.

Humble Beginnings

As I am preparing to graduate, in a month, I can't help but look at the amazing opportunities I have been given. God has strategically opened doors and shut doors to guide and direct my path. It is a bittersweet time in my walk in life as I prepare to say goodbye to Truman State. The many professors who have guided me, encouraged me, and most importantly believed in me. Truman State has been the best place for me, and I believe I am as prepared for dental school as I could be, because of the education I have received as an undergrad student. These past three years have been tough, discouraging, and stressful at times, but the good definitely out weighs the bad. I have had the opportunity to hold leadership roles, conduct my own research project, and push myself to the limits. I have met some of the most intelligent people I have ever met. I've also met some of my most genuine, loving, and caring friends here. Friends I will hold dear in my heart for life. For these reasons I am so glad that I get to stay in the area for the next two years. I still get to be involved in K-Life, an organization that I believe in and invest tons of hours and love into every week all for the glory of Jesus. I will still get to serve along side my best friends reaching a youth culture for Christ. I am so incredibly blessed and honored to be given the responsibility of reaching the kids in Kirksville all in the name of my savior, Jesus Christ. K-Life is working and moving and it is amazing to be part of such a talented, driven, and passionate group of college leaders.

I am completely humbled that God would allow me to be accepted into dental school. Not just a dental school, but the right school for me. As the acceptance rounds are coming to a close around the nation, I have been receiving emails about the schools I interviewed at, applied to, and showed interest. The information included in the emails is mind-boggling. Today, I received an email from ASDOH. The emailed said there were over 3,500 applicants. Out of the 3,500 only 400 were interviewed (11%) and 72 were accepted. To think that I was chosen out of all those people for an interview is so humbling. I've also heard that over 3,000 people applied to my school, and 42 were accepted. That is just a 1.4% chance of being accepted from that large of a pool, and I was one of the first 20 people they accepted. That, my friends, is what I call a miracle. There is nothing extraordinary about Ashley Anderson. I'm just a normal person who God is using to do immeasurably more than I could ever imagine. He is using me to bring glory to His kingdom. I can't believe the blessings I've been given. To think that I will start dental school in three months is unreal. I remember starting college thinking how am I ever going to get in? Here I am, three short years later, staring my future as a dentist in the face. God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the called.

"For I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength" Philippians 4:13

Future Dental Student!!!

It's officially 2014 and I'm back in the school mode. I just wanted to update everyone on my current standings and details.

As of December I was accepted into dental school. I accepted my seat and will be starting school in the middle of July this summer. Until then, I am finishing my undergraduate degree at Truman State with my last semester of coursework! I will graduate on May 10, 2014 as a certified health education specialist with a bachelor's of science degree in Health Science, with a minor in biology. Thinking about no longer being a Truman student is unreal.

Last week my brother and I picked out a duplex 5 minutes from campus that suits all of our wants and needs. I'm so glad we found this place and am relieved it was such a quick process!

I was notified that I needed to collect extracted teeth from dentists and I have been offered all the teeth I need by one of my favorite dentists who has been very supportive and helpful through my pre-dental career. I am so blessed!

I am very excited to begin the life of a dental student. I am so ready to be done with undergraduate work and begin learning about strictly dentistry. I am excited to get my white coat, get my dental glasses, a name tag, wear scrubs or business clothes everyday, and learn how to be the best possible dentist I can! I know it will be a lot of tough and rigorous work, but I am really excited to start my journey as a dental student. I can't believe it's so soon!

A lot of people have been asking me why I decided to go to my school and decline second rounds at UMKC. Let me tell you, if you would have told me I would make this decision two months ago I would have laughed in your face. Let me tell you the reasons for surprising decision.

1. It uses a modular learning system. Meaning I will only learn one subject at a time and it will last 1-3 weeks. As soon as we are done with the unit, it is done. I think this will work much better for me than semesters.

2. I will learn on a mannequin instead of a set of teeth. Going from just teeth to a human is a huge change. So, I will practice on a mannequin with a set of teeth which will help me learn how to work around silly things like cheeks and heads. Ha!

3. I won't have to do too much lab work. As a dentist I will almost never do my own lab work, so learning how to do it perfectly is pretty silly and time consuming.

4. I will be in a class of 45 students instead of over 100. I'll get to know my teachers at a deeper level, and get more one-on-one help if I need it.

5. I will have an actual residency. Something most dental schools go without. My fourth year, I will have four, 6 week residencies that could be anywhere in Missouri that I choose. Instead of only seeing one patient in the morning and one in the afternoon, I will see 8-10 patients a day, like a real dentist does. The Arizona school my school is based off of is the number 1 school for experience hours and it beats the second by 1,000 hours!

6. I will be working with the state-of-the-art technology. Because it is brand new, everything is up to the highest standard. The clinic will use the field's newest products and systems.

7. I have the opportunity to receive my Master's in Public Health at the same time as earning my DMD. I believe it is only 5 extra classes and I could graduate with two degrees! Something I very much want to do and believe would help me immensely in my career.

8. God told me to. I pray He will use me in whatever way He wants and to put me in the position and place He desires. At first I didn't realize it, but I am 100% positive this is where I am suppose to be to learn how to be a dentist and serve God's people.

I probably won't update much between now and orientation which is in July, but if anything big happens I will post it. Thank you everyone for your support and encouragement. This process has been nothing but long and hard and I cannot take any of the credit for success. God had bigger plans for my life all along this journey and it has finally been made clear to me after 7 years of waiting. My life is not my own, but Christ in me.