Partner in Crime, Priya.
the phone call that
saved my lab grade
Okay, so you know that really bad nightmare that happens around midterms or finals? Like, the one that begins with you being super stressed out about exams, and usually ends with you sleeping through your alarm clock and missing it all together? Well, sometimes dreams really do come true.
My dental anatomy lab grade rode on me doing well on the final practical assignment. By "well" I mean like at least a B. The final assignment was a #30; or the lower first molar on the right hand side, for those of us that don't yet speak in dental code.
We had five hours to reconstruct the exact anatomy of the tooth with some red wax, five silver instruments, a white peg, and a flame. Five hours seems like a long time to be hunched over your dental bench, but it really just kinda flies by when your racing against the clock.
The night before the final practical, Priya and I went into the dental school and practiced our waxing skills in preparation for the practical the next morning. We worked for about for four nonstop hours with our fellow classmates, who were also busy perfecting their hand skills. Exhausted from the accumulation of sleepless nights, we left the lab satisfied with our practice models, ready for the next day.
Before I fell asleep, I distinctly remember telling Priya that I would meet her at the bus stop so that we could ride into together. Before going to sleep, I did my nightly routine: I set my alarms, checked that they were set to AM and not PM (made that mistake before), made sure the volume was turned all the way up. I also made D set his alarms, just in case mine didn't go off.
I woke up the next morning to a phone call instead of my alarm. Tired, I answered it and heard Priya yelling that we were about to begin the practical— it was 8AM! So many curse words ran through my mind as I threw on some leggings and the shirt from the night before, blotted on some foundation in the car, and threw my hair up in a messy bun.
I literally ran through the dental school parking garage, not caring about how ridiculous I looked with my backpack swinging from one side to the other. I sprinted into the lab dripping sweat and explained the situation to my professor. Luckily, I was able to still partake in the exercise, but I could not have extra time to spend on the assignment.
Whatever, I'll take it. I had 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete the five-hour project.
As I sat down at my station, I saw everything I needed so beautifully laid out. My station was set up, cotton balls for polishing set aside, bunsen burner ready, and a fresh box of matches ready to go so I could begin melting the red wax. My bench partner had graciously melted some blue wax for me (used for the initial coating of the white peg so that the instructor knows we competed the project in the class) and set it aside so that I didn't have to spend an extra give minutes getting the right consistency. Others in my area offered me reassurance that I would be fine and encouraged me when they sensed my anxiety. My headphones died in the middle of the practical, so my other bench mate offered me his battery pack so that I could charge them during the practical for a few minutes.
The assignment turned out just fine, and I now know that I can really work under immense pressure. More so, I am so unbelievably grateful for all of the kindness I was shown during such a stressful time. I am so grateful to have Priya, such a kind best friend in dental school that is always watching out for me and has my back. And I am blessed with classmates who are so kind and genuine.
If you're reading this, thank you from the bottom of my heart for encouraging me on rough days throughout the semester. I hope I was able to show my support for you, too.
There's more to dental school than just learning how to make something beautiful with your hands. It's also about forming those genuine friendships that go beyond the four years of schooling — relationships that are lifelong and fulfilling. I'm going to enjoy the next three weeks of winter break, but I can't wait to see what the spring semester has in store!
My dental anatomy lab grade rode on me doing well on the final practical assignment. By "well" I mean like at least a B. The final assignment was a #30; or the lower first molar on the right hand side, for those of us that don't yet speak in dental code.
We had five hours to reconstruct the exact anatomy of the tooth with some red wax, five silver instruments, a white peg, and a flame. Five hours seems like a long time to be hunched over your dental bench, but it really just kinda flies by when your racing against the clock.
The night before the final practical, Priya and I went into the dental school and practiced our waxing skills in preparation for the practical the next morning. We worked for about for four nonstop hours with our fellow classmates, who were also busy perfecting their hand skills. Exhausted from the accumulation of sleepless nights, we left the lab satisfied with our practice models, ready for the next day.
Before I fell asleep, I distinctly remember telling Priya that I would meet her at the bus stop so that we could ride into together. Before going to sleep, I did my nightly routine: I set my alarms, checked that they were set to AM and not PM (made that mistake before), made sure the volume was turned all the way up. I also made D set his alarms, just in case mine didn't go off.
I woke up the next morning to a phone call instead of my alarm. Tired, I answered it and heard Priya yelling that we were about to begin the practical— it was 8AM! So many curse words ran through my mind as I threw on some leggings and the shirt from the night before, blotted on some foundation in the car, and threw my hair up in a messy bun.
I literally ran through the dental school parking garage, not caring about how ridiculous I looked with my backpack swinging from one side to the other. I sprinted into the lab dripping sweat and explained the situation to my professor. Luckily, I was able to still partake in the exercise, but I could not have extra time to spend on the assignment.
Whatever, I'll take it. I had 4 hours and 30 minutes to complete the five-hour project.
As I sat down at my station, I saw everything I needed so beautifully laid out. My station was set up, cotton balls for polishing set aside, bunsen burner ready, and a fresh box of matches ready to go so I could begin melting the red wax. My bench partner had graciously melted some blue wax for me (used for the initial coating of the white peg so that the instructor knows we competed the project in the class) and set it aside so that I didn't have to spend an extra give minutes getting the right consistency. Others in my area offered me reassurance that I would be fine and encouraged me when they sensed my anxiety. My headphones died in the middle of the practical, so my other bench mate offered me his battery pack so that I could charge them during the practical for a few minutes.
The assignment turned out just fine, and I now know that I can really work under immense pressure. More so, I am so unbelievably grateful for all of the kindness I was shown during such a stressful time. I am so grateful to have Priya, such a kind best friend in dental school that is always watching out for me and has my back. And I am blessed with classmates who are so kind and genuine.
If you're reading this, thank you from the bottom of my heart for encouraging me on rough days throughout the semester. I hope I was able to show my support for you, too.
There's more to dental school than just learning how to make something beautiful with your hands. It's also about forming those genuine friendships that go beyond the four years of schooling — relationships that are lifelong and fulfilling. I'm going to enjoy the next three weeks of winter break, but I can't wait to see what the spring semester has in store!
Last Tooth Wax-Up!!!!