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The Importance of Student Awards
Five students at UBC Dentistry reflect on the importance of student awards, and an alumnus weighs in on the impact of recognition. Continue reading to see how determination, passion and hard work motivate the next generation of oral health professionals.
BY STEPHANIE CHOU
Iris Lin, BDSc 2017
Katja McBee, DMD 2016
Alison Ashworth, BDSc 2018
· Impact of Ten Dental Hygiene Award (2015)
· Dr. Clay Hallman Memorial Scholarship for Proficiency in Removable Prosthetics (2015)
· Impact of Ten Dental Hygiene Award (2015)
· Western Canada Dental Society Dr. Cal Waddell Memorial Scholarship (2015)
For Alison Ashworth, student awards help create a balance between the past and future: that is, recognizing past accomplishments is a formula for future success. She reflects, “It is important that student awards continue to be offered, to inspire students to rise above and beyond to reach their highest potential. This is when students will produce their finest work and make a progressive difference in the field of dentistry.”
· Impact of Ten Dental Hygiene Award (2014)
Transformation happens outside the comfort zone for Iris Lin, who has received two Impact of Ten Dental Hygiene Awards. In her dedication to growing as a lifelong learner and dental professional, Lin sees student awards as markers of progress. The recognition is incentive to distinguish herself through hard work. Recently, Lin had the opportunity to meet with a donor who supports the Impact of Ten Dental Hygiene Awards. She says, “It was a reminder of the gratitude I have. Knowing that there are people willing to support my education motivates me to apply myself wholeheartedly and to work to be someone they will be proud to have supported.” Another benefit to awards, notes Lin, is the monetary value that helps ease financial stress for students. “Knowing that others are willing to invest in your education is an encouragement for you to invest in your own.”
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U B C D E N T I S T RY I M P R E S S I O N S
· Chrysalis Dental Centre – Vancouver Prize in Dentistry (2014) · College of Dental Surgeons of BC Scholarship for Dentistry (2014) · Bisco Dental Products (Canada) Inc. Scholarship (2013)
Katja McBee believes that student awards are a celebration of the oral health care profession. McBee says, “I’m in a class full of amazing people, and to be recognized is truly an honour.” She feels that fostering a community where accomplishments are recognized cultivates a work ethic that ultimately encourages excellence and benefits the profession. McBee reflects, “I work hard to provide the best care I am capable of, and it is gratifying to be rewarded for my efforts.” Participating in volunteer clinics and providing care to underserved populations has been a particularly meaningful experience for Katja. She hopes to gain as much knowledge and experience as possible in dental school, and values learning from instructors who have a myriad of clinical experience.
Ashworth is driven to combine her passion for learning with a desire to have a positive impact in the Faculty of Dentistry and the patient community. Having received the Impact of Ten Dental Hygiene Award, she feels motivated to continue challenging herself in the years to come. She says, “Looking ahead, I am fascinated at how much there is to learn. Although it can be overwhelming at times, being recognized for my commitment and dedication as a student is encouraging.” She is looking forward to participating in community practice and seeing first-hand the positive impact she can have on a patient’s health.