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What is your hometown, what brought you to PENSACOLA and how long have you been here? I am a Pensacola Native. I attended Lipscomb Elementary School, Brown Barge Middle School, and Pensacola High School Health Academy. After 8 years at The University of Florida (Go Gators!) and serving on 3 aircraft carriers in the U.S. Navy Dental Corps, I found my way back home to join my mother Geeta Parekh’s practice, Landmark Dental Care. Now, for the past year, I’ve enjoyed rediscovering the place I grew up. What is your profession, and what led you to chose it? My four years at the Health Academy at Pensacola High School gave me the opportunity to spend several hours a week shadowing doctors and healthcare professionals at Baptist Hospital. It was then that I realized my passion for science, aesthetics, and public healthcare. During my undergraduate studies at UF I decided to pursue a DMD degree for a career in Dentistry. What do you like best about Pensacola? What makes it unique? Pensacola has changed and expanded rapidly since I left for undergrad at UF in 2004. This city is unique because it is a laid back coastal town mixed with the excitement of the Blue Angels and diversity that NAS Pensacola brings. This town is steeped in history and offers plenty of historical sites to explore. As an added perk, Pensacola has housing that is affordable compared to other parts of the country, making it an amazing place to call home. Give us three words that best describe you. Driven. Optimistic. Caring. What are some of your favorite things about Pensacola? I was a bit hesitant to move back to a small city after living in San Diego for 5 years where there was always so much going on. However, I quickly found out that Pensacola has a vibrant nightlife, a strong salsa dancing community, excellent weather for sailing, and some great places to trap and skeet shoot. This small city has a surprising amount of options! My parents immigrated from India. They established their roots first in Baton Rouge and then in Pensacola. My mom was the 2nd female dentist in town. She started Landmark Dental care in the Heart of Pensacola. I learned from amazing teachers in Public Schools in Pensacola. I cannot ever thank my teachers enough : Mrs. Gray, Mr. and Mrs. Roh, and Mrs. Ennis who taught me early on that hard work and vision can change your life. I achieved the rank of Eagle Scout at Saint Luke’s on Nine Mile Road. Pensacola is in my veins, in my mind, and in my heart. I love the fact that our city is growing and citizens are prospering, and that we always have the water and beaches to enjoy. FINALLY I AM HOME SWEET HOME.
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photo by Kristina Wright
Finish this statement, I AM PENSACOLA because…
6/1/20 10:59 AM