Posted: June 7th, 2015

Fleeing a country from persecution

06/04/15 Version 1

Fleeing a country from persecution, the notion of human compassion and being of help to others was merely a mystical idea to me. Throughout my childhood, I faced issues of pain and challenge uncommon to most. Simple things such as running water, a hot dinner, and healthcare to name a few were daily obstacles. Migrating to America, being a first generation immigrant meant an urgent pursuit for conventional opportunities, working throughout teenage years to pay for my education and teaching parents how to assimilate into American life. These experiences have not only humbled me, but have allowed me to be more caring and sensitive to others. I believe these characteristics will allow me to be more culturally sensitive and have a deeper appreciation towards providing quality care to a multitude of ethnic backgrounds.

In Armenia I suffered from severe tooth decay, which was painful and greatly impacted my confidence. At the time, we could not afford the proper treatment to fix my teeth and the dental techniques were almost primitive. When we immigrated to America, we were able to get health care that tremendously benefited us. It was around that time when I was initially exposed to what I consider real dentistry. The simple fact that my visits to the dentist were more enjoyable was a new experience for me. I noticed a gradual transition in the appearance of my teeth throughout my multiple visits and was brimming with excitement in the way I looked. No longer did I have to cover my mouth when I smiled or spoke, but instead I was now happily grinning from ear to ear. Not only did I gain a newfound identity, but a career path to pursue. I now knew I wanted to pursue dentistry.

My shadowing experience at a family dental clinic was pivotal in my decision to study dentistry. It was imperative for me to better understand the gist of working as a professional dentist. As I shadowed for Dr. Michael Shirvani I witnessed a range of oral hygiene treatments including examinations, routine fillings, root canal treatments, crown preparations, and crown fitting. This experience gave me invaluable exposure to the various treatment options available. Best of all, it gave me the opportunity to speak with some of the patients about their experiences when I answered telephone calls in reception and to learn many important skill sets that will allow me to be a better health care professional. I now also realize that maintaining a comfortable environment for patients, especially children, being charismatic, and clearly specifying the steps to every procedure allows for a comprehensive positive experience. I now better understand the importance of constantly being knowledgeable and updated on different dental techniques, as it allows for patients a sense of autonomy to decide which treatments are better suited for them. I believe all of these elements are crucial in developing a genuine trust with the patient and providing quality care.

My desire to comfort and help others was further heightened when In-Home Supportive Services employed me as a provider for my grandmother. I was given the opportunity to help her through her daily life tasks, such as buying groceries, preparing home-cooked meals, and assisting in basic grooming which helped my grandmother lessen some of her struggles from arthritis. However, these tasks were more than just a job; it gave me a chance to guide my grandmother through linguistic barriers and educate her about the treatments that alleviated some of her mental and emotional distress. I gained a deeper understanding of caring and compassion toward others from my experiences as a provider. The fulfillment I gained by having a direct role as leader and educator for my family will forever remain special to me. This has given me an insatiable desire to provide others with quality and passionate care as a future health care professional.

While my academic journey in Cal State Northridge was rigorous and fulfilling, I will always stay hungry in my pursuit of knowledge. My desire to learn more is driven by my desire to be of aid, whether by fixing simple commonalities or assisting a young person gain an identity such as I did with my experience. I am ready to take this next step in my life to better myself, and more importantly, to help others.