Rachel Breining '16

Rachel Breining '16

Name: Rachel Breining                                           

Graduating Class: 2016

Major: Chemistry

Your Story:

My interest in dentistry started in my senior year of high school after I spent some extensive time on my orthodontist’s dental bus. (My orthodontist would drive his bus to my high school so students wouldn’t miss as much class time. I have some very distinct memories of having my braces adjusted on that bus). After my freshman year at Gustavus I did some preliminary shadowing in Wisconsin and found that I loved the profession! Over the next three years I continued to shadow at a clinic that provided care to individuals with lower incomes, as well as with several general dentists at home. I also participated in the Dental January Interim Career Exploration during my sophomore year.  Although it was an intense four weeks, this experience really cemented my commitment to become a dentist, and the exposure to different areas of dentistry (orthodontistry, general dentistry, oral/maxillofacial surgery, and dental lab work) was invaluable. I took the DAT in the summer after my sophomore year, and applied to dental school in the summer before my senior year.

I originally chose Gustavus because I’m a very passionate violinist, and I knew I wanted to have the chance to play the violin in college. Gustavus offered both a strong music program and strong science programs, so I could play the violin while also exploring the different areas of science. I chose to major in chemistry because I really loved the hands-on aspects of lab work (something which I love about dentistry as well!), and I liked gaining a sense of how atoms and molecules, things too tiny to ever be seen, could have such a powerful impact on life and the way the universe works.

 

Top Five Activities/Experiences: (in no particular order)

  1. Gustavus Symphony Orchestra
  2. Teaching Assistant for the Chemistry Department
  3. Pre-Health Club
  4. Adopt-a-Grandparent (through the Elders Program)
  5. January Interim Career Exploration

 

Advice:

  1. Find a volunteer opportunity or group that you’re passionate about, and commit to it! There’s something really powerful about having been part of an organization for several years, and it’s a great way to learn more about who you are and to grow as a person. If it’s something you really enjoy, it can be not only be a great stress reliever but a great way to make relationships with people you never would have otherwise met!
  1. Ask for help if you need it, for anything. It can be incredibly difficult to admit that something is challenging (believe me, I’ve been there), but it’s so much better to get help so you can move forward than to spin in circles. Asking for help or advice is not showing weakness!
  1. Don’t give up! There will probably be times that will be more stressful and difficult than you imagined, and that’s ok. Not every class is going to be your greatest strength, but putting in hard work and showing dedication to working through any challenges will help you get where you want to be in the end.

 

Future Plans:  Attending Marquette University School of Dentistry, starting Fall 2016.

                                                                                                                                                                             Updated: 5/18/2016 HB