The Practice of Dentistry - Essay Example

.  After having spent 15 years of my life in Korea, I inadvertently found it extremely difficult to try and adapt to new ways of life during my initial abroad interactions.  Canada happened to be the first country that I found myself in for my educational endeavors, and though it was intimidating to try and transcend beyond what my primary beliefs and ideas were, I was able to manage it due to my determination and perseverance in wanting to achieve my goals.  Through my Canadian experiences, and beyond I have acquired the ability to be able to suffer through the more difficult times and come out stronger and more determined as well.  This has taught me independence and the learning skills necessary to overcome many adversities, which undoubtedly an abundant amount of foreign exchange college students must deal with if they are going to make it in their lives in a foreign land. 

            Traveling to the United States had to be the scariest for me because I had heard so many stories about the country but was not sure if they were true.  After I moved past my initial fears I soon devised ways to work past the obstacles that were in my path such as language barriers and cultural disorientation, etc.  However, after moving past the language barriers I found that I had a hard time trying to fit into what Americans considered to be the “norm” for the youth population in society.  I definitely became rather defensive because I realized then that I was a minority and did not clearly fit into the whole puzzle.  Nevertheless, I have come to realize over time that a person’s attitude can make all the difference and that ethnicity is not necessarily what holds people back.  A positive attitude and good communication skills are two of the most pertinent interpersonal skills that an individual needs to have in a country like America.  This is due to the fact that I have come to learn with there being so many different ethnicities there has to be an open communication network to avoid misunderstandings and to get past the confusion of it all.  This can be very difficult but again, with an effort from both sides of the cultural boundaries, it can be done.  Perhaps if I had realized this earlier on one of my good friends would not have lost his life due to racial violence and stereotyping.  However, even though the death of my friend was a very trying experience for me it also helped me to continue to grow and develop into a better person, a more efficient communicator, a person with empathy towards others and their needs, a person with a view more open, and more than anything else someone whom I could really depend on and I definitely needed that in my life. 

            All of the changes in my life led me to become more religious and more willing to open up and accept people for who they are and not their color or personal preferences.  These experiences have also led me to my current desire of wanting to become a professional in the career field of dentistry.  I do believe that the strong interpersonal skills I have developed are very beneficial to the career of a dentist and I know I would fit in perfectly in this field because I am a very open and honest individual and one who is not discriminatory to others in any way.  These are definite characteristics that are crucial for anyone in the medical field to have, but especially in the field of dental care because it is so necessary for individuals to have good dental care as it affects the way they feel about themselves. 

            In conclusion, I have always tried to learn from my mistakes and never go down the same path again in order to avoid the same types of errors.  This has taught me dedication and drive in life.  I am determined to meet my goals and I know my education is extremely important to me if I am going to get to where I want to be in my life.  I feel I am halfway there already which is very good for me.  My constant positive attitude has helped me in keeping my grades up to a high standard so that I can have the opportunity of entering dentistry school.  More than anything I want to become a positive influence for people who are more disadvantaged so that they will be able to see anything is possible for anyone who puts their mind to it.