Kortney Herring is originally from Bakersfield, California. When her father passed away a few years ago, she and her sister sold their father’s home in Bakersfield and she moved to Las Vegas to be closer to her sister. A single mother with three-year-old daughter Amaya to raise, Kortney wanted a fresh start.
Newly arrived in Las Vegas, she applied to the Dental Assisting program at Carrington College’s Las Vegas campus. She was accepted and started school in April 2024. With a new start, her focus on a new career and a child to raise, Kortney began to fulfill her dream. In a relatively short period of time, among her colleagues and teachers, she has become “an inspiration to all who know her.”
Why was the dental field of interest to you?
Truth is when I was younger, I was afraid to be seen by the dentist for a 6-month check-up or when I experienced tooth pain. Because of that as I got older it worsened but I realized if I had been properly educated that the dental treatment now could have been avoided. So, I want to be a part of the team that can educate others on preventative oral health.
I imagine one person whose life you want to make a difference in is your daughter Amaya. Tell me a little about her.
I stayed at home with her until she was two. My sister was always there for me so when I started school, she would take care of her. When I’d take Amaya to the doctor, he would comment, “she’s going to be something, she’s so smart.” She’s learning to write already and count objects. My ultimate goal is to have a good career but I still want plenty of time to be with Amaya when she needs me.
How has your experience at Carrington College been?
It’s made all the difference. It is such a good fit. They could see my drive and they encouraged me.
Is there anyone there you’d like to mention?
Well, really the whole of Carrington College. But I’d like to shout out to Ms. Jobeth for helping me with my professional language, seeing my light and helping me spread my wings. And a shout out to Ms. Mickel for helping me grow and make sure my ideas make sense! And another shout out to Heather Moore for seeing my light and helping me expose it.
How do you account for the inspiration you have given so many who have gotten to know you at Carrington College?
I would say the driven spirit I carry with myself when I walk into a room. I’m smiling, willing to learn and help anyone. I try to see the positive side of things more than the negative.
Where do you see yourself in five years, ten years?
I can see myself in a dentistry lab and then being at a parent/teacher meeting with Amaya on the same day. I want to wrap a career around my daughter and not the other way around. I can see myself having a career in dentistry either as a lab technician or as an instructor and a mentor or a resource for women across the board. I love to help.
What would you say to a new student at Carrington College who is struggling to meet their challenges?
Just to never give up, stay positive, take a deep breath and have a big support system. Whether it’s family, friends, or therapy.
