SUCCESS
A JOURNEY OF HOPE AND HEALING: FROM ORTHODONTIC PATIENT TO EMPOWERED ENTREPRENEUR
ROOTED IN AMBITION My life journey started in the country of Georgia, situated at the crossroads of Europe and Asia. My parents arrived in the United States with only $100 in their possession. With a fierce ambition, my father diligently worked 18-hour shifts, driving a yellow Checker Cab, to provide for our family of five. In Georgia, my mother was just one semester away from becoming a doctor and also pursued a career as a professional pianist. Together, they decided to pursue the American dream, and I am their firstgeneration American. To me, my mother represents unwavering courage and fearlessness. Despite the challenges of an immigrant family, she filled our modest apartment with music and heartwarming home-cooked meals, and her kindness extended to all who needed a friend. My admiration for my parents knows no bounds; they instilled in me a sense of compassion by selflessly giving, even when they had very little, and by upholding their cultural values of nurturing others as a way of showing love and respect. Their profound influence guided me to aspire to become a doctor. I wanted my mother to witness the fulfillment of the potential she nurtured within me and understand that
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By Sima Yakoby Epstein, DMD
her sacrifices were not in vain. I am proud to carry on the tradition of their strong work ethic and generosity, and to this day, continue to embrace the belief that the American dream is attainable through hard work and dedication.
TRIUMPH AFTER TRAGEDY My career path and current success as an entrepreneur were profoundly influenced by a car accident I experienced at the age of 13 that left me with broken and uneven teeth, necessitating extensive and painful dental work. As a result, I felt vulnerable and insecure about my appearance throughout my teenage years. My parents were supportive but unfamiliar with the English language and had little guidance or understanding of how to navigate the situation. Despite their concern, I was determined to not add to their stress and started taking an active role in my treatment journey. Over the years of treatment, I developed a deep admiration for the orthodontist who played a vital role in my recovery and well-being. He told me that “great things would come from this life-changing experience” and assured me that “I would change people’s lives.” I aspired to become a similar type of doctor, one who encourages patients and
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