It Began at MMC..
Starting on the journey to become a dentist was both a calling and a privilege. When I think back on my time at Meharry Medical College, what rises to the surface is not just a sense of accomplishment but a deep and abiding gratitude. Meharry gave me more than a degree. It gave me purpose, community, and a clear understanding that dentistry is not just a profession; it’s a form of service.
The faculty and staff at Meharry created a nurturing environment where learning was never transactional; it was transformational. Their mentorship, encouragement, and high expectations laid a foundation I still stand on today. Meharry’s legacy is rich with graduates who go on to make a difference in their communities, and I am humbled to be part of that legacy.
From the moment I stepped on campus, I was surrounded by a legacy of excellence and a mission rooted in something far greater than academic success. At Meharry, we lived by the belief that we worship God through service to mankind. That principle guided everything, from the way we were taught to the way we cared for others. The ancient maxim, “Gnothi se auton” (Know thyself), was ever-present, reminding us that to serve others well, we must first understand who we are, what we stand for, and why we chose this path.
The first year was rigorous and humbling. We immersed ourselves in preclinical coursework, studying the basic sciences and learning the fundamentals of medicine. It was an intense introduction to the discipline and responsibility that would define our careers. But the real transformation began in the years that followed, when we stepped into the clinic and had the privilege of caring for patients; each with their own story, their own challenges, and their own needs.
Those early patient interactions taught me more than any textbook ever could. I learned to listen before I spoke. I learned the power of a kind word, a gentle hand, and a treatment plan grounded in compassion. Being invited into someone’s healthcare journey, especially in moments of vulnerability, is something I never take lightly. Those experiences solidified my commitment to making a positive impact on the lives of others through dentistry.
What made Meharry truly special, was the people. My classmates, “the Troops”, became more than colleagues. They became family. Dressed in our dark green scrubs, we tackled the demands of dental school together, leaning on one another in times of stress, and celebrating each other’s victories, big and small. I had the honor of serving as Class President, a responsibility that challenged me to lead with empathy and foster unity in a diverse and determined group of future healthcare professionals. Together, we grew not just as clinicians, but as individuals committed to a life of service.
One of the most meaningful chapters of my time at Meharry was my involvement in Project DReam a student-led initiative aimed at inspiring Nashville youth to pursue careers in healthcare. As President of the organization, I helped coordinate field trips, mentorship programs, and immersive experiences that gave high school students a glimpse into the world of medicine and dentistry. Many of these students came from backgrounds similar to mine, and it was incredibly fulfilling to show them what is possible; to stand before them not just as a dental student, but as proof that their dreams were within reach.
Looking back, Meharry did more than train me to become a dentist. It helped me become a servant, a leader, an advocate, and a professional with a deeper sense of responsibility to the world around me. The friendships, the lessons, the challenges, and the mission it all lives with me still. And as I continue to serve children and families through dentistry, I carry the Meharry spirit with me every step of the way.