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Failure is not an option

Every morning for the past two years I wake up feeling lucky. I am lucky to be alive. Lucky to have the family that I have. Lucky to have a true passion for dentistry and the means to pursue it. There came a point in my life that it was all taken away but, with strength and determination I am on track to once again achieve my goals.

My father was my first inspiration. His steps illuminated the path of success for me to follow in. He grew up in an impoverished household in 1960’s Iraq. He had siblings with disabilities and was held responsible to contribute both financially and physically. This responsibility drove him to work hard day and night to become an elite dentist. After graduating from the College of Dentistry he remained committed to his dream and achieved his Specialty in Conservative Dentistry. He loved science and would teach his children a lesson at every opportunity. Some of my first memories as a child were in his chair. I was fascinated by the tools, the anatomy, and the x-rays. He seemed happiest when he was able teach me about dentistry and I was equally excited to learn. While he was a loving parent, he was also very strict and created a very competitive environment amongst his children. He made us want to strive for perfection and that, we all did.

From my early childhood I knew I would be pursuing dentistry and I was ready to meet the challenge head on. Little did I know what a challenge it would be. My high school years happen to coincide with the Civil war in Iraq. Dodging bullets during our walk to school was an everyday occasion. Losing friends and family members, kidnapping and bombings was also an everyday occasion. Many of my classmates gave up on their goals, I refused to. The devotion I had to pursuing my dream could not be swayed. I concluded that if I wanted to survive and be successful, I needed to finish school in another country. My parents agreed to let me finish my last year of high school in UAE. This brought on a whole list of new challenges.

I was grateful to be out of harm’s way but, if I didn’t keep my grades up, I would have to deal with a much more frightening wrath (that of my mother). My parents had invested a lot in me and my pursuit of education. They believed that I was up for the challenge and I did as well, but I knew failure was not an option. The guidance they gave me along with my own dedication paid off. I was awarded a special honor. Not only the highest grades in my school but, the highest GPA in the entire city of Kalbaa. It was then that I realized that nothing is impossible and that we truly can shape our own future. I started at the College of dentistry at the University of Al Mustansiriya in 2008.

I enjoyed college and maintained the high standards I held for myself throughout my life. My college years were a quieter time in Iraq. It allowed me and my family to have a sense of peace. I was able to enjoy some of my favorite past times like Soccer and playing Piano. Upon graduation I was feeling eager and passionate about dentistry. l knew I would let nothing more stand in my way.

Finally, the day had come when I was able to start practicing. I had a love for dentistry that was unparalleled and enjoyed each day to the fullest. My greatest satisfaction came from the compliments I received from my patients. I was perpetually praised and encouraged by my supervisors. Which further confirmed that I had chosen the right career path. I believe the combination of my affinity for dentistry, the manual skills I had learned in school, and dexterity I learned through playing Piano had set me up to be the best of the best. I knew I had to continue my education and not stop there. I attended several conferences around the world and was successfully accepted into the Conservative Dentistry Master’s program in Iraq. Everything was going great until the day that I almost lost my life.

One Saturday afternoon as I was finishing my last patient, armed Extremist Militia stormed into my office. I was threatened and held at gun point. This was not a random act but a calculated ambush. Myself and my office were well known around my city. I was known for treating all people in need, equally and fairly. The Militia forced me to agree to the rules they set forth. To act on their behalf and impose their religious views or pay them money. I had no choice but to bargain with them to save myself that day, knowing the next day I would have to be on the run. I knew I would never be able to follow their unjust rules. My morals and integrity are of utmost importance to me. It was then that I realized I would give my life over doing wrong by others.

November 2016 I arrived on American soil for good. It was devastating knowing that I could never go back to Iraq but, it was my only chance for life (and I was lucky to have it). My whole life’s achievements had been taken away in the blink of an eye. I knew I must devote my life once again to the pursuit of happiness. I took advantage of every opportunity I could. I passed the national exam immediately while I worked as a dental assistant. I quickly took the Adex exam and got my Dental Hygiene license. I was able to pass both NBDE’S in under a year despite the harsh circumstances of the new environment and immigration process.

I am asking for your consideration to assist me in acquiring my degree in Dentistry.