"I Am Going To Be A Dentist"

People have always asked me why dentistry and why teeth? The field of dentistry is completely foreign to my family, let alone the education that is required to become a dentist. My name is Mariah Duran, and I am from Rio Rancho, New Mexico and I am a first-generation college student. Several generations ago, three of my great grandfathers immigrated to the United States from Spain. One of them settled in New Mexico, and now here I am. I never thought about a career for myself until I was a senior in high school, when my school helped me submit my financial aid application. Before this, I did not even believe that I would be able to go to college due to the cost. My initial career choice led me to pursue engineering. It was not until my sophomore year of college that I realized engineering was not for me, or more so, I no longer found math problems fun. I knew I loved creating art, science, and working with my hands. I also love interacting with people and giving back to the community. Around the same time that I was contemplating my career choice, my dentist was talking with me about dental school one day. I started to think about dentistry and began my research about what dentists do and how they contribute to our society. A seed was planted in me that I still pursue to this day: I am going to become a dentist. 

After submitting my dental school application, I received six interviews, declined two and attended four. The expertise of the faculty at the University of Utah, the kindness I experienced from every student I interacted with, and the overall feeling of genuineness that I felt when I left my interview made me realize that Utah easily became my top choice. Also, did I mention how beautiful Salt Lake City is? I crossed my fingers on decision day with great faith, hoping that I would receive that email from Utah. I was accepted to two schools on decision day, one being the University of Utah, and the smile on my face could not have grown any bigger. I enthusiastically accepted my seat, and I cannot be happier that I am here now. I am only an hour and a half flight away from home, all my classmates are so kind-hearted and incredibly smart, and most importantly, I get the opportunity to become a dentist. If I were to do it all over again, I would choose the University of Utah, time and time again.