Why Dentistry, Why STEM - and Why USC Hung Quoc Nguyen

Sitting on the chair, waiting for my dentist, I turned towards the scream next door, noticing a little girl cowering in fear because she didn’t want to have her teeth removed. I observed with admiration as the dentist soothed her fears and pains through the removal process. Once he was done, the girl sat up with a shining, bright smile. And in that moment, I knew exactly what I wanted to do in the future.

As an aspiring dentist, I visited USC to learn more about the Liberal Arts and honor programs offered by USC, especially one that would bridge my interests in the dentistry and STEM fields. I was completely enamored by the vibrant, spirited tight-knit community of faculty and students.I have toured many colleges, but there is this magnetic pull to USC, this lure of belonging that makes you already feel like a Trojan the moment you step onto campus. I’m also drawn to USC because the abundance of undergraduate research programs and externships offered within Los Angeles. I plan to acquire more experience through shadowing at dentistry clinics and volunteering with Trojan Health Volunteers Program. I also hope to research and learn about molecular interactions with the human body under Professor Raymond Stevens.

In addition to...