Sometimes it takes a village of family and friends to help you realize an important life goal. Gloria Verdine has no doubt she would not have completed Carrington College’s Dental Assisting program without the support and sacrifice of those friends, family and neighbors who stepped in when she was going under. Transportation, work schedules, childcare, eviction – no challenge was met alone.
She learned a lot more in those months of career education than can be found in a classroom. She learned humility, inner strength and a new depth of gratitude. She also set an example of endurance and sacrifice for her five kids who had an up-close and personal viewpoint.
Why choose a Dental Assisting career?
I’ve always had a fascination with a pretty smile. It’s the first thing someone sees and has such a strong impact. And if you don’t take care of your teeth, what does that say about you, as a person?
I’d been a correctional officer since 2022 but knew I had to get into something I really cared about, wanted to do and gave me more time with my kids. And I knew I’d have to love it to be able to finish it.
What about working with people who fear the dentist?
What about working with people who fear the dentist?I get that, but you need to get pass it. Plus, you can get an infection (from poor dental hygiene) that can travel all through your body. I drill that into my kids. My one-year-old has been brushing since he had just one tooth!
Why choose Carrington College’s Dental Assisting program?
I took the tour on campus; they were welcoming and it felt genuine. I saw how teachers were interacting with students and at Carrington, there’s no such thing as a stupid question – I liked that.
And my enrollment services associate (conducted tour) was great…but at the end of the day, it’s their job to get people to sign up. So I asked Dental Assisting students directly how they really felt about this program. They told me, “Yes, I love it.” That meant a lot.
What made the DA program a match for you?
The thing that excited me the most was that I was going to school for something I know and love that would let me make good money and have more time with my kids. A couple of months in, I was a straight A student.
What was your greatest challenge?
I was still working as a security guard, so my car not working when I needed to get me to school and work was my greatest fear. And little time between class and work. I would change into my security guard uniform at school and hope my car would make it. I didn’t have anyone here (in this state) but my kids, so failure of transportation was always there. And the worst did happen eventually. I was lucky to be able to get rides with other students and from my neighbors Dominique and her husband, Dante.
Crisis averted?
Crisis averted?Three months before the end of my DA program I lost my job, got kicked out of my house and my car stopped working. Dominique and Dante, became my biggest supporters. They invited us to live with them, and they took me to school and work until I got back on my feet a couple of months later. There were times I wanted to pull the plug on school, everything, but they wouldn’t let me give up. I am so grateful to them.
I learned that even the strongest need help sometimes. And, I learned how to accept that help.
Did you get the instructor support you needed?
I was close to the end of the program, but I felt so defeated. So many times I thought, “I can’t do this,” and was definitely ready to pull the plug. But my teachers told me, “You’ve made it this far”.
What inspired you to keep pushing toward your Dental Assisting career?
I said ‘I quit’ so many times, but my teachers did not let me quit. My family and the people at home and at school pushed me to finish school. I couldn’t let their hard work and sacrifices go to waste.
I give all praise to God. Without Him putting all these people in my life, I wouldn’t be able to express myself higher in my life by going to Carrington College.
Advice to others who might struggle to achieve their education and career goals?
Don’t think that just because you don’t know people well, they won’t help. And don’t be embarrassed to ask for help. I’m not embarrassed now, I’ll tell you that. A closed mouth don’t get fed!
What was a favorite moment at school?
I couldn’t wait to go to school. Even though, sometimes, it was hard to learn, I loved it. Never did I say, ‘No way, I’m done with this.’
How did you complete your externship (DA program on-the-job work experience)?
You can’t graduate from the DA program without completing externship, but I still had transportation problems. Carrington’s Career Services department knew my situation, and I found a dental office (they included on their participating dental office list) for my externship just 15 minutes away by bus. They did everything in their power to help me be successful.
What is your next step?
I have three credentials now: high school diploma (I’d dropped out), Dental Assisting diploma and my Associate’s degree. I’m now in school for cosmetology and will try to get into Carrington College’s next Dental Hygiene program. I’ve been doing hair since I was 10-years old and have a plan for a one-stop shop of beauty treatments.
What does that look like?
A salon where you can have your hair, nails, feet done, teeth whitened, eyelashes all at one shop. “I can make you beautiful and feel a more confident vision of yourself” — without having to go to different places.”
I am realizing my vision. Sometimes I wake up and say, “I’m so glad I didn’t quit!”
