It was the very same gym where I had to run laps for PE Class in the fifth grade. Not much had changed but the energy from the AMEN clinic I was volunteering at as a dental provider gave me a whole new perspective of where I was--physically and mentally.
If you had asked me five years ago, “Angie, what do you want to do for a career?” I would not have been able to answer that question. It felt like all my friends were confident in where they wanted to futures to go, and I had no clue. The second semester of my senior year had already begun, and I still had no idea. I had no idea, that is, until there was an opportunity to volunteer at the Pathway Healthcare Expo that was being held at Indiana Academy. I was paired with Dr. Philip Frist, a dentist. I was to be his “dental assistant” for the expo, but I had no clue what I was getting myself into. I was a ball full of nerves not knowing how I was going to be able to help but God had placed me with the perfect person. Dr. Frist was so patient and kind. He taught me so much about dental health in the few hours we worked together. His kindness and passion for oral health sparked an interest in me that I didn’t know I had. That volunteer experience gave me clarity in wanting to work with teeth and helping people feel confident in their smile.
About a month later, I had another opportunity to help others on a mission trip to El Salvador. Working with others in need made me feel a deeper connection to not only those I was helping but to God as well. I felt God’s love through the deep gratitude we received from the people we were there to help. I could see the gratitude by how dedicated they were by lining up hours before the dental clinic was open, driving from hours away, simply to receive free dental care. The immense gratitude they showed for the help they received made me aware of how I had taken for granted the dental care I had access to. God was leading me to see that this interest that had sparked in me a month prior was the direction for me. In dental health, I could learn not only how to care for others smiles and educate, but I could also bring smiles by letting God guide me to be a resource to those in need.
After graduating with my bachelor’s degree of science in dental hygiene, with a minor in health promotion from Indiana University South Bend, I am a registered dental hygienist. God has guided me throughout my journey so that I may continue to share his love. He led me to the opportunity to work for Verity Smiles Studios with Dr. Clarissa Oliveria who shares the same passion and loves to serve others for Christ. This is the same passion I saw in Dr. Frist that ignited my dental hygiene journey. Verity Smiles Studios, among other local Indianapolis health care providers, volunteered time to assist in the AMEN clinic to help Indianapolis locals gain access to free healthcare and dental services. It was amazing being part of a group that came together for one mission: to show God’s love through acts of service. I was able to reconnect with Dr. Frist and share my testimony of how God placed him in my life to recognize a passion for dentistry. In the moment I couldn’t recognize that God was leading me, by placing people and experiences in my life, to where I am now. God has purpose for each one of us.
Angie Giron is a member of the Indianapolis North Hispanic Seventh-day Adventist Church.
