A Dream Coming True
Most sixth graders want to be professional athletes when they grow up. However, I wasn’t like most sixth graders, I wanted to become a dentist. At the time it was just a dream, but HOSA has allowed this dream to become a reality.
Throughout elementary and middle school, I was constantly bullied. People laughed at my awkward demeanor, twisted my words, and practically critiqued my every movement. This treatment caused me to become shy and introverted, believing that if I said nothing and blended in, people would have no reason to make fun of me. I remember constantly lying in bed late at night, worrying about what the next day would hold, another day wishing that I wasn’t at school. Things didn’t really seem to turn around until I got into high school. My family recently moved to a new state and I chose to attend a school that had just started a dental assisting program. As I stated before, I already wanted to be in the dental field by this time, but this class solidified my love for the profession. I remember the first time I assisted a dentist in the dental clinic. All I did was pass instruments and suction, but for some reason I loved it. While I knew that this profession was the right fit for me, I never thought that I’d be able to actually pursue it because I told myself that there would always be someone smarter and better than me. My damaged confidence almost kept me from pursuing this dream, but early in my sophomore year I was introduced to HOSA, an organization that gave me the confidence I needed to push forward.
It was in September of 2012 when my dental teacher pulled me and a few of my classmates aside to ask if we would like to compete in Dental Science, an event requiring competitors to take a challenging written test and perform various clinical procedures. My classmates and I jumped at the opportunity. I was immediately filled with excitement over the thought of possibly attending the 2013 HOSA NLC in Nashville, but anxiety was already building inside of me over the thought of competing against so many other intelligent individuals. I remember the day I had to compete at locals, being judged by my teacher and a dental assistant she had worked with in the past, feeling so nervous that I could leave the room, but wanting to win more than words can explain. To my surprise, I placed second at that competition and eventually placed third at states. I earned myself a ticket to Nashville. “Maybe I can do this,” I thought. “Maybe I have what it takes to win it all.”
The HOSA National Leadership Conference is an experience like no other. Not only had I gotten the chance to travel to amazing destinations, but I got to meet students from all over the country who want to be health professionals in the future — a truly inspiring experience. Sure, I’d be lying if I said that I wasn’t nervous when I competed at HOSA NLC’s the past three years, I was terrified, but in the end, the months I had spent with my nose in a dental textbook and practicing procedures in my schools dental clinic are what made me a more confident health professional. That first year in Nashville, I placed sixth in Dental Science. This accomplishment was enough in itself but standing on the podium as a top three national finalist in front of thousands individuals the following two years was life changing. I’ve realized that as long I work hard and don’t give up I’ll be able to become a dentist. The road to my dream may be paved with plaque and cavities, but I won’t give up on this dream, not until I can call myself Dr. Pinto.
While competing and placing at nationals was an experience I’ll never forget, being named the Delaware HOSA State Vice-President was an honor that validated my love for HOSA and my dedication to its mission. Over the course of one year, I have overcome my fear of public speaking, become much more outgoing and professional, and have met amazing people from all over the country. After not seeing my friends from WLA in months, I finally met back up with each of them in Anaheim, CA for this year’s NLC. It was like seeing a family member for the first time in a while, shouting of excitement, hugging, and catching up with one another. Yes, HOSA has allowed me to grow immensely as a person, but my family has grown as well, only this awesome family consists solely of future health professionals.
Thomas J. Pinto
