Connections are so effortless to create, yet capable of leaving everlasting impressions. Although this has proven true throughout my life, never would I have thought that something as trivial as my first trips to the dentist would have such an impact on me. Even now, I recall sitting in the dental chair, wincing in pain, tears welling up in my eyes. Why does he have to scrape so hard? Why doesn’t he talk to me? These and other questions came to mind as I sat, invisible and helpless, in those plastic-covered prisons. For a long time, the only connections I had to dentists and oral health were these anxieties. However, this all transformed when I met my orthodontist, Dr. Leaver.
Although I was an observant child, I had been shy and unable to communicate much through my half-grin or nervous laugh. Dr. Leaver, with overflowing kindness and elation, changed that. I was immediately enveloped in his manner as he saw to it that I was not only informed on every decision made, but freed of any concerns too, whether I was able to verbalize them or not. To my surprise, he also …show more content…
In the last few years, I have enjoyed practicing this skill as a mentor in various realms at ASU. As a Freshman Mentor, and later as an Associate Teaching Assistant for Anatomy 201, I became a resource for students of varying age groups and science backgrounds through what was, for some, their most challenging time at ASU. As a Resident Assistant, I have been a shoulder to cry on and a member of the front-lines of University Housing, ready to aid against the distinct perils my residents may face. The capacity to empathize with my mentees, residents, and friends has not only helped me develop personally, but has also excited me for future interactions with my own
Although I was an observant child, I had been shy and unable to communicate much through my half-grin or nervous laugh. Dr. Leaver, with overflowing kindness and elation, changed that. I was immediately enveloped in his manner as he saw to it that I was not only informed on every decision made, but freed of any concerns too, whether I was able to verbalize them or not. To my surprise, he also …show more content…
In the last few years, I have enjoyed practicing this skill as a mentor in various realms at ASU. As a Freshman Mentor, and later as an Associate Teaching Assistant for Anatomy 201, I became a resource for students of varying age groups and science backgrounds through what was, for some, their most challenging time at ASU. As a Resident Assistant, I have been a shoulder to cry on and a member of the front-lines of University Housing, ready to aid against the distinct perils my residents may face. The capacity to empathize with my mentees, residents, and friends has not only helped me develop personally, but has also excited me for future interactions with my own