Fatimata Ndiaye is a graduate from Western School of Technology and Environmental Science in Maryland. She was hesitant between becoming a dentist or an athletic trainer. Therefore, she wanted to experience what it was like to work as a dentist, hoping that it will help her decide. We placed her at Lakeside Village Dental, a private practice in Owings Mill, MD. What did you learn from the mentorship and internship?

1. Learning about my mentor’s educational path that led her to dentistry was helpful
2. You have to be good with your hands
3. You have to be good with communicating with patients
4. You have to be knowledgeable of terminology and anatomy

“The internship gave me more experience in something I spent a little time in last year during my internship for school. My mentor and I discussed the universities that would help me meet my goals and the educational track that I should follow toward my career path.”

"The cultural panel was an enriching experience. It allowed me to look at things from different viewpoints and perspectives when it came to certain subjects, such as culture, immigrant lifestyles and so many other things. It was also a safe place where I could express my viewpoint on so many things".

"I was really able to get a lot of insight from the panel. I didn't fully grow up in the Senegalese culture so I felt distant for a long time. This entire organization and panel is allowing me to understand different points of view and ideologies. Thank you for the opportunity!"

"The cultural panel was fun. I enjoyed meeting the new people and listening to their opinions about different topics. It also felt very welcoming and it was easy to speak up".

"The cultural panel was eye opening to me. A lot of us had some of the same views yet there were topics where we had opposite views. Yet, we were able to discuss it respectfully and teach one another. I wish it went a little longer because as comfort grew so did the confidence to speak and engage".