NSU CDM Impressions Fall/Winter 2019

18 | COLLEGE OF DENTAL MEDICINE (continued from page 17) WHAT CHANGES DO YOU WANT TO MAKE AT THE CDM? REACH : I have always fought for the students being allowed to have personal physical and men- tal health days. They were able to implement this change to our policy handbook. A change I would love to see is a left-turn signal at the light turning into our parking garage at the intersection of South- west 30th Street and Southwest 76th Avenue. The installation of the turn signal would make for a safer and smoother intersection for everyone traveling to school in the morning. ETCHEVERRY : I would like to start a new mentor- ing program so CDM students can be more connected and helpful to each other. I would like to get several small groups of each year—D1 to D4—to communi- cate with each other and make the transition into and throughout dental school easier. It can be as simple as telling the group about previous teachers you had and how you studied to having a friendly face to connect to when you shadow in the clinic. This program benefits the incoming D1s and creates connections with students who may be able to assist upperclassmen during board examination or help them find patients who fit clinical requirements. BATRES : I hope to create an atmosphere of trans- parency between students and administration, so we can work together to improve the college. NACHUM : I’d like to help improve the com- munication between the students and the faculty members. WHAT LEGACY DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE FOR FUTURE STUDENTS? REACH : The knowledge that anyone can become involved and be successful in leadership roles at the CDM through the SGA. I want to be remembered for bringing massive positive changes for our stu- dents—and that their voices were truly heard. My biggest achievement so far was implementing a “grandfathering in” solution surrounding the new instrument leasing program. The SGA was success- ful in getting the classes of 2020, 2021, and 2022 grandfathered into the new instrument leasing program, so they won’t have to pay a leasing fee for instruments they had already purchased. I would love to leave the legacy of being someone helping others as embodied in John Wooden’s quote: “You can’t live a perfect day until you do something for someone who will never be able to repay you.” ETCHEVERRY : I would like to make a more trans- parent pathway connecting the students and faculty members. Stronger communication between these groups is essential to facilitating changes that will benefit the NSU community. BATRES : I want to leave a sense of unity and opti- mism for the future students. NACHUM : I want the SGA to establish a foundation of programs and policies that will continue for years after we graduate, ensuring the sense of community and teamwork I have experienced here will expand and continue. “ In dentistry, I have the opportunity to promote and improve dental health through assisting patients in sculpting a healthy smile.” —KAREN NACHUM “ Embracing technology as an integral part of dental care is key to success in the future of dentistry.” —NICOLE ETCHEVERRY