I can't believe I'm saying this, but we are finally done with all of our biomedical science classes! After six months of almost nothing regarding dentistry, we are now onto our dental classes! We started dental anatomy this week, and we are already half way done with it. I knew we would have to know details of teeth, but not the depth we are required. We have to know every nook and cranny of every tooth. This makes sense, since we will be re-creating teeth for the rest of our lives and we need to be able to tell the difference between each tooth. Dental anatomy is also a huge part of the first part of our national board exam that we will take this summer, so it is really important that we know it very well.
I am so impressed by how fast dental school has gone by. The days and weeks are really long and drawn out, but the months fly! It seems like yesterday that I was walking across the stage receiving my white coat with all my new classmates that I didn't know in the least. Now I'm through the worst part of dental school and our class is more like a little 42 member family. I didn't know everyone's names or where they were from or anything about them, but sitting in the same classroom with them for eight hours a day will change that.
I'm finally feeling like a human again. I have a little bit more free time and studying isn't as bad now, because the topics and subjects actually interest me. I've been going to school for a very long time in order to be sitting here finally learning about dentistry, and it is refreshing. We still take one class at a time, have tests almost everyday, and go through everything very fast, but it is different when you know you have to know everything you are learning for your career.
The other day I was reflecting and thinking about all the things that occurred in order for me to be sitting in dental school right now. I really can't believe that God didn't have a huge part in lining everything up, laying the stepping stones to lead me here. He has a greater purpose for my life than I do. He knew I was meant to be a dentist before I knew that's what I wanted to do. I am his masterpiece and want to continue to honor Him in everything I do, say, and give my time to. I believe that my obedience to Him has a huge role in my daily life and future. The best things I've learned thus far is that I am unique in the fact that I care more about people, relationships, and remaining sane, than getting straight A's. I compete with myself and know when I need to push myself. I am still very involved with K-Life, where I get to mentor high schoolers, and in my church. I also workout with one of my friends most days of the week. These things are very important to me, and I would never want to drop everything I care about to be number one in the class. Call me crazy, but grades won't matter in 5 years, people will.
I am looking forward to these next few months of my D1 year. They will be full of hands-on dentistry, National Board Dental Exam: Part 1 studying, and learning new dental information that I'm so intrigued to understand.
Commit your works to the Lord, and your plans will be established. -Proverbs 16:3
