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Lara Guzmán
Dental student, Tufts University
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You can do it! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise and don't give up when things get hard.
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I'm currently studying to become a dentist. Right now I mainly study and stay involved in school activities but once I graduate I hope to make a difference by helping patients gain confidence in themselves through their smiles.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
My God-Father was a dentist. I remember during my sister's high school graduation party, he asked me what I wanted to do. I knew I wanted to do Medicine, after all, I had seen enough Gray's Anatomy episodes to want to do something in heath - and within 5 minutes I was already convinced I should pursue Dentistry. From shadowing, I've noticed how dentists are very passionate about what they do. There is a certain autonomy in the field that allows you to make decisions in the type of care you provide and I believe that is why dentists love what they do.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
I really think my biggest achievement was going off somewhere new on my own. I was always tied to people and felt like I would never be able to go somewhere new, alone, and be okay.
But it's been the best thing I've done. I wish younger me would've known that great friends are always with you, no matter where you go.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
I love STEM because it's a field that is always innovating. I feel like there is endless opportunities of things to be discovered. Right now, I love learning whats already been discovered and thinking of how applying my knowledge can make a difference for my future patients.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
YOU CAN DO IT! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise and don't give up when things get hard. And if ever in doubt blast Girls (Who Run The World) by Beyonce.
INSPO / FUN FACT
"All things are difficult before they are easy." Thomas Fuller