What brought you to Normandale?
Lauren Soroko: “Initially, Normandale's online summer Spanish courses brought me to the college. In 2019, I was taking classes at the University of Minnesota and was struggling to learn upper-intermediate Spanish in a large classroom setting. A friend of mine encouraged me to drop the Spanish class I was taking and instead take Spanish online through Normandale over the summer. He spoke so highly of the smaller class sizes and the amount of support he received from Normandale's Spanish instructors, so I enrolled at the college and ended up completing my remaining language requirements with Normandale because of how positive the experience was.”
What do you think makes Normandale unique?
LS: “What I believe sets Normandale apart from other college campuses is the number of free or low-cost resources that are available to students. Resources are not only readily available but are also well advertised by Normandale staff and teaching faculty. Personally speaking, having access to free mental health services, free printing, and free food staples from the Campus Cupboard has really made a difference in my academic success and overall well-being.”
What are your plans after Normandale?
LS: “After graduating from Normandale in the spring, I plan to work as a dental hygienist in the Minneapolis area. Periodontics and public health are where I find the most interest, and once I get my feet on the ground, I would love to start volunteering my time at a free clinic to give back to my community. My future educational goal is to pursue a master's degree in dental hygiene and teach!"
On a separate note, I'm really excited to have free time again. I'm looking forward to dedicating the majority of this time to the friends and family who have constantly showed up for me since I decided to return to school, and I'm sure my four-year-old German shepherd will also be glad to get back to our long walks and weekend excursions.”
What about Normandale's dental program sets it apart from other colleges?
LS: “What distinguishes the Normandale dental hygiene program from other colleges is their focus on interprofessional collaboration and systemic heath. As dentistry is still seen as a separate entity from traditional healthcare, it's essential that all future clinical providers understand how each field of healthcare directly influences one another. Specifically, future dental hygienists should recognize that the current separation that exists between the dental and medical fields is affecting patients.
The dental hygiene program at Normandale attempts to bridge that gap. In all of our courses, it has been emphasized to consider each patient from a wholistic perspective. The new Center for Interprofessional Education in Healthcare that will be completed after I graduate, is an excellent example of how the program remains dedicated to integrating interprofessional education so that new clinicians may advocate for improvements to standards of care. By placing emphasis on interprofessional collaboration and systemic health, Normandale dental hygiene graduates will have an upper hand when it comes to influencing government bodies and making a difference in the lives of the communities they serve.”
Have any instructors made a meaningful impact on you during your dental health journey?
LS: “Yes, many instructors, and non-dental hygiene faculty members, have made meaningful impacts on me during my dental hygiene journey. I think it's important to note that all the faculty I've had the pleasure of working with at Normandale have made lasting positive impressions. However, Teri Schmeling, my faculty mentor and the second-year clinic coordinator of the dental hygiene program, has made the greatest difference during my time in the dental hygiene program.
Teri is the kind of instructor you're lucky to have in the classroom and clinic because she pushes you to develop your knowledge and clinical skills without holding your hand--I am better because of this. She stated to our class, "I am not your friend," but she is always a pillar of support. As one of her mentees, she has continually guided me towards success by holding me accountable for my successes and deficiencies and has always been there to encourage me to keep moving forward. I had a eally hard fall semester personally speaking, but with Teri's support, humor, and guidance, I was able to make it through. Teri has been such a great role model for the dental professional I aspire to be.”
What does receiving financial scholarships mean to you, and how will it impact your education or future goals?
LS: “Receiving financial scholarships means so much to me. As someone who was only able to go to college because of their eligibility for government loans and grants, receiving a scholarship is like taking a breath of fresh air. Scholarships provide wiggle-room and stress relief. Without the additional financial support from the Normandale Scholarship Foundation and their sponsors, I wouldn't have been able to support myself through this last year in the dental hygiene program. Knowing firsthand how much of a difference a scholarship can make in the life of a student, I am encouraged to one day give back and help sponsor a scholarship for someone like me with financial need.”
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