Extracurricular Activities
Target - Part-Time team member
A Little Bit About Me
I’m a sophomore in the Dental Hygiene program at Chemeketa Community College. I was raised in Gervais, Oregon, alongside my three older siblings. My parents immigrated from Mexico in the 1980s, met here, and built a life in Gervais. My siblings and I are first-generation college students, and their example inspired me to pursue higher education. My parents were also a huge influence on my decision to go to college. They didn’t have the opportunity to continue their education beyond elementary school, but they’ve always pushed me to take full advantage of the opportunities available to me as someone born in the U.S. Their sacrifices and encouragement are a big part of what motivates me to work hard and make the most of my education.
Why I Chose Oregon Tech and My Major
I chose Oregon Tech because I had heard about the instructors being really helpful and involved in our learning. It was also my first option because they offer a bachelor's for Dental Hygiene, which is important to me. I chose Dental Hygiene because I want a career where I can help people, whether that's achieving better oral health or feeling more confident in their smile.
My Influential Professors
My most influential professor has been Charisse Botsch. She is our sophomore clinic lead and teaches our prevention course. She's deeply involved in our learning and genuinely believes in every student’s potential. Her encouragement and support have been especially meaningful during times when my classmates and I feel overwhelmed or uncertain of our abilities. Her guidance has helped me become more confident in my clinical skills and reassured me that I'm capable of providing quality patient care.
My Greatest Learning Experience At Oregon Tech
My greatest learning experience at Oregon Tech has been the hands-on clinical practice with classmates and instructors. The environment and direct feedback from instructors significantly boosted my confidence and helped me feel like I was prepared to see my first patients in the clinic. This experience confirmed that I’m on the right path and has strengthened my passion for dental hygiene.
My Plans After Graduation
After graduation I plan on working in a private office for a bit. Ideally somewhere near home so that I can still help my parents and siblings and visit often. I have also recently been thinking about the possibility of working in public health so that I can help more people that might not be in a position to go to a private office.