D3 Student Alex Rojas-Carmona recalls how hard his immigrant parents worked so that he could have a healthy smile.
My name is Alejandro Rojas-Carmona, but I typically just go by Alex. I was born to two hard-working parents in Veracruz, Mexico. I moved to the United States when I was 5 years old and specifically to Utah when I was 10. However, my dental journey began in Mexico. I had many cavities on my primary teeth and as a result I had stainless steel crowns on most of my teeth, including my front teeth. Later, at the age of 11 I had to get a permanent molar extracted because the tooth was so bombed out that saving it would have been difficult and expensive. To this day I haven’t had that tooth replaced and it has caused some issues in my natural bite.
Regardless, my mom wanted me to have good teeth well into my adulthood. She went through the trouble of putting me through braces and getting my wisdom teeth removed, even though we didn’t have the best financial stability. She found excellent doctors that worked with her by hiring her to clean their offices and homes to pay for the work they were doing for me. I have always been grateful to the doctors and my mother for doing this for me, and I always have remembered their kindness and charity.
When I finally decided to pursue dentistry, it was a goal of mine to be able to work with future patients like those doctors worked with my family. I also knew that I wanted to buy my parents a home when they got older. My parents immigrated to the U.S. for a better future and opportunities for their kids. I have made the most out of that sacrifice and always remember it when things become challenging. My upbringing has shaped my dreams and has given me the drive to become a successful dentist and I hope to inspire others to do the same.
