Coated in Courage A First Year Dental Hygiene Memoir

The first year of the Dental Hygiene Program has been nothing short of transformative. This journey has not only equipped me with the technical knowledge and clinical skills necessary for my future career-it has also shaped me into a more resilient, compassionate, and self-aware individual. As the saying goes, "A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step," and I can confidently say that this past year was that all-important first step in my professional and personal evolution.

When I began the program, I underestimated the depth and intensity of what lay ahead. I viewed it as just another academic pursuit-similar to those I had undertaken in the past. But it quickly became clear that this was an entirely different kind of experience. The rigorous curriculum demanded a level of focus and commitment unlike anything I had known before. It challenged me intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually, compelling me to grow in ways I hadn't anticipated. That growth is what inspired me to share this story-not just as a reflection, but as a source of encouragement for others.