2016 - 2017 CSUF Pre-Dental Society's Executive Board
President
Daisy Gonzalez
Hello pre-dents! My name is Daisy Gonzalez and I am a senior majoring in Biochemistry with a Pre-Health Professions minor. Along with my studies, I am conducting research with Dr. Orchard in her medicinal chemistry research lab. I transferred to Cal State Fullerton from Irvine Valley College in Fall 2013 and I am happy to continue my undergraduate studies here.
After founding the society with my past officers and being the Dental Outreach Coordinator for two years, I am overjoyed and honored to be the new President this academic year. I enjoy leading and mentoring my fellow pre-dents into becoming competitive applicants. I truly believe we are in this together and we can help each other out through our pre-dental paths and beyond. Being in this society leads to many friendships and networking opportunities that I hope you find.
I chose to pursue dentistry for many reasons. I want to help patients have a beautiful smile so they can build their confidence in every aspect of their life. I want to educate them on the importance of oral health, which I found through shadowing that many patients do not have the proper education as to how to keep their mouth healthy, and why it is important for their overall health. I want to be a dentist that my future patients are comfortable coming to because the mouth is a vulnerable place. My other reasons for choosing dentistry is that it allows me to use my perfectionism and attention to detail. Whenever I do a task, especially one involving others, I do my best to not disappoint and that is all in the details. This profession also brings me happiness and relaxation, which I discovered by doing prep programs at Western University and Loma Linda University during their drill and prep workshops when we filled cavities on tooth models. Once I am a dentist, this profession will allow a flexible life in order to enjoy my other interests and to raise a family. I am looking forward to obtain my dream job!
Just a little bit about myself aside from my dental interest: I love catching up on my favorite TV shows, drinking fancy latte art drinks, spending time with my loved ones, going to concerts, being outside in nature, and LAUGHING.
Please feel free to email me with any questions or come up to me if you see me around school. I am here to help in any way I can. Don’t be shy!
Hi everyone! My name is Mark Gonzalez and I am currently in the Pre Health Certificate Post Bacc program with CSUF. Before coming to this program I was a Senior Business Analyst for MUFG-Union Bank in downtown LA. I received my bachelors from CSUF with an emphasis in Marketing and Entertainment & Tourism.
When I was younger and people asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up, the only response I could come up with was, happy. Of all the professionals I have met in my life, I never found anyone happier every time I saw him then my orthodontist. I knew deep down I wanted to be like him. Of course life got in the way and put me down a path in the business realm and while I found it to be challenging and rewarding, I found myself missing a true sense of fulfillment. After talking with my orthodontist and him inviting me to shadow for several weeks, I decided to make a change and follow my dream to become an orthodontist. To me, to make someone healthier, love their smile, and be happy with the way they look is so much more rewarding than a big paycheck or a fancy office.
I love what this club stands for and I look forward to helping as many students who are interested in a career in the dental industry as possible because this is a difficult journey we have set ourselves out on and we all need a strong support unit. Please never hesitate to ask me questions because even if I don’t know something, I promise you I will find someone that does.
In my spare time I do yoga, read, ride my bike, travel, go out with friends, watch movies, dance, meet new people, and go on as many random adventures as possible.
Vice President
Mark Gonzalez
Treasurer
Jennifer Alvarado
Hello my name is Jennifer Alvarado and I am the Treasurer of the Pre-Dental Society of California State University, Fullerton. I am a Biochemistry major with a minor in Health Sciences. I first became interested in Dentistry when I was 14 years old and I had gotten my braces removed. The change in my self confidence proved to me the impact that a nice smile can have on a person. From that day I knew I would pursue a career that serves the community and helps bring thousand of smiles out of hiding.
My journey to become a Dentist began in 2008 at the age of 15 years old when I shadowed a Dentist for the first time through a Mentorship program in High School. In High School I shadowed two Dentists who inspired me even more to continue my dream of Dentistry. The service I observed these Dentists provide their patients reassured me that I wanted to be the person to help people maintain good oral hygiene and dental care. I continued my journey when I decided to attend Dental Assisting school in 2014. After graduating from Dental Assisting school I was granted an internship at Advanced Dental Care in Costa Mesa. After interning for a year I started working as a Dental Assistant and now I am currently working at two dental offices. I have also participated in many Dental programs, like UCSF’s Inside UCSF, Loma Linda University's Careers in Dentistry, UCLA’s Basic Dental Principles, and University of the Pacific’s Predental Clinical Simulation Course.
Every time I participate in a dental program and every day that I go to work I fall in love with Dentistry more and more. I love knowing that good dental work can change people’s lives in a positive manner and that I will soon be able to provide this service to my community. I will continue pursuing my dream of becoming a Dentist and until the day I have finally accomplished my goal I will enjoy the journey.
On my spare time I love to hangout with my best friends, either relaxing at each other’s houses or going out to dinner, movies, or dancing. However, depending on the time of the year my activities will vary as well, for example during the summer you will find me at the OC Fair 24/7. I am always looking for fun and new things to do, and always willing to make new friends. I am looking forward to this school year with all the Pre-Dental Society members, and I can’t wait to see what we accomplish!
Secretary
Peter Hoang
Hello Pre-Dents, my name is Peter Hoang and I am a fourth year Biological Science major here at Cal State University Fullerton.
When I first saw tartar and plaque on my mom’s friend teeth, I was not bothered by it at all as some people would be. I actually wanted to help her and introduce her to a dentist and see what dentistry has to offer for her. I wanted not just her, but everyone to be proud of their smiles and show off their shiny white teeth in pictures. I was more intrigued with dentistry as I watched my very own aunt progressed through dental school. I saw how much passion she put into the career and I was inspired to do the same. She brought me to Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC and showed me around. I shadowed her closely from what had led her to choose dentistry as her career to the very moment she graduated and saw all of what she had gone through. Immediately I knew that this was what I wanted to do and was driven to pursue this career. The Pre-Dental Society here at Cal State University Fullerton has also helped me to see more into dentistry and taught me how to get into dental school with the offers of all these opportunities to help me be a good applicant for dental school. As your volunteer coordinator, I hope to help you as well to become a good dental school applicant.
Some of my hobbies and things I like to do for fun is sing, play the guitar, hike, swim, explore what the outdoors has to offer, and I am a huge car enthusiast.
Publicity Coordinator
Kevin Reyes
Hello! My name is Kevin Reyes and I am a third year transfer student from Golden West College. I am a pre-dental student that is majoring in Biological Science with a concentration in Cell and Development. As the publicity coordinator, I will be updating members through the PDS social media. Be sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter!
I chose dentistry because it gives it combines my interests of science, business, and helping people. I have shadowed dentists, attended many PDS meetings and dental related events. Some of these dental events include as teaching children about oral health care, visiting dental schools, dental care clinics, Loma Linda University Careers in Dentistry Program, and Mark Hunt's Tooth Waxing and Denture Course. These opportunities expanded my knowledge and continuously increase my passion for dentistry.
As I progress in my journey towards dental school, I try learn as much as possible by involving myself outside of school work, such as research in cell biology and tutoring at the opportunity center, and of course, CSUF PDS. I feel that every experience is a learning opportunity that helps me become more mature, as well as become more competitive for dental school.
Dentistry aside, I enjoy playing basketball, working out at the SRC, playing video games, and hanging out with my family and friends. If you see me on campus or at meetings, no need to be shy, come say hi!
Fundraising/Social Coordinator
Nardeen Gorgy
My name is Nardeen Gorgy and I am the social and fundraising coordinator for the pre-dental club. I am majoring in Cell and Developmental Biology and minoring in Health Science. Before entering college, I was told that if I wanted to pursue a career in the medical field, majoring in Biology was the best way to go. After my first two years as a Biology major, I realized that I haven't learned anything about being a medical professional or working with people in general. After taking one Health Science course, I realized that these two fields complete each other. Biology teaches me what I need to know to enter Dental school, such as chemical processes in the body, cell structure and function, etc. On the other hand, Health Science teaches me things like the resources present to help people and the emotional consequences of some cases and how to deal with them. Therefore, both of these majors combined have taught me so much about becoming a medical professional.
Entering college, I knew I wanted to become involved in the medical field somehow, but I didn't know what I wanted to do yet. My friend, Ghenna Kisswani, who is also an officer now, suggested that we attend the pre-dental club meeting our first year. It was still a new club at the time and I had never thought about dentistry as a career, so I thought “why not!” After attending the first couple of meetings, I became more interested in the field. During my three years as a member, my sparked interest grew to a great passion for the field. Through my volunteering experience, I decided to pursue a career in general dentistry, because I want the opportunity to work with all age groups. It will also be a great learning experience everyday due to the variety present in cases. This club has helped me realize that dentistry is the perfect career for me, and I hope it will do the same for you! Please feel free to contact me about any questions you may have. As an officer, I am here to help you prepare for dental school and your future career in dentistry!
Greetings fellow Pre-Dents! My name is Haydan Godfrey, a third year biological science major. This is my second semester in the CSUF Pre-Dental Society.
I have been a part of a number of volunteer organizations, this one being one of the most important to me because it has introduced me to the world of dentistry. I will not only help organize the events and volunteer opportunities, but I want to help all students get the kind of experience I have received as well as make sure we are prepared as professional members of the club to sharpen our communication and real world skills so that we may make the most of the wonderful opportunities we are given. I look forward to meeting incoming members and will help in any way possible!
My love of dentistry comes from enjoying working closely with children as I have taught swim lessons to kids for four years, refereed soccer for four years, and coached soccer for three years. My Orthodontist has influenced me and helped to make my decision of pursuing a career in Orthodontics.
In my free time I love to try new eateries with my girlfriend, go to the beach, and play sports. The sports I enjoy most are soccer, golf, footgolf and biking.
Volunteer Coordinator
Haydan Godfrey
Dental Outreach
Coordinator
Ghenna Kisswani
Hello everybody! My name is Ghenna Kisswani and I’m the dental outreach coordinator of CSUF’s Pre-Dental Society for the 2016-2017 school year. I’m currently a senior majoring in Biology hoping to concentrate in Cell and Developmental Biology. I’m also minoring in Child and Adolescent Studies and Chemistry.
The reason I’m pursuing a career in dentistry is not only to give back to the community but also because I simply have a love for the field of dentistry. Dentistry didn’t spark my interest until my first year of college and not until last semester when the CSUF Pre-Dental Society held a dental outreach program for elementary school children that I knew dentistry was the career for me. Being able to inform children about dental hygiene in such a fun and creative manner was so inspiring. Therefore I’m aspiring to becoming a pediatric dentist and open my own dental office, Kisswani Dental, where you can kiss your cavities goodbye. I also hope to join organizations in the future that provide free dental care for civilians living in occupied territories in the Middle East and low-income provinces throughout the world. I’m just beginning my path to becoming a dentist, however my love for dentistry continues to grow as I become more knowledgeable and expose myself to new experiences. Although this is my upcoming second semester being an officer and I have lots to learn, I only hope to assist others on their journey to becoming a dentist as well as myself.
Aside from dentistry, I also enjoying spending time with friends and family, going on fun and little adventures and singing. My interests include music, fashion, learning about new cultures and staying updated with local and world events. I’m also an active volunteer for the Family Autism Network and am a member of the Palestinian club and Palestinian Solidarity Campaign. Feel free to contact me at any time if you have any questions regarding dentistry or anything in general. I’ll try my best to help you succeed!
Dental Outreach
Coordinator
Peter Tafesh
Hello Titans! My name is Peter Tafesh and I am an Outreach Coordinator of the Pre-Dental Society at Cal State Fullerton for the 2016-2017 academic year. This is my senior year here at CSUF and my fifth year in the United States. I am really grateful to have this wonderful opportunity to continue my higher education in the U.S. and pursue my American dream.
I have chosen dentistry for two main reasons: the integration of science and art, and the ability to improve people's quality of life. I believe dentistry is a good match for my personality since it can balance my problem solving skills and manual dexterity, which I have acquired over the years through playing the piano. Ultimately, I want to be able to use these skills to positively influence people's oral health and dental hygiene.
Throughout this academic year, Ghenna and I are going to work closely to reach out to more elementary schools and other children centers to expand our Outreach Program. Our goal is to educate kids, especially those who come from disadvantaged backgrounds, and teach them how to take care of their teeth. I really enjoy interacting with kids and drawing a smile on their faces, and that's why I am very excited to hold the Outreach Coordinator position.
Aside from academics and involvement on-campus, I enjoy traveling, listening to music, learning new languages, and meeting new people from different cultures. Welcome aboard!
Inter-Club Council
Representative
Brittany Beltran
Hello, everyone! My name is Brittany Beltran and I am the Inter-Club Council Representative for the Pre-Dental Society. As a fourth year undergraduate student at CSUF, I am majoring in Biology with a concentration in Cellular and Developmental Biology and minoring in Chemistry. On campus, I am a supplemental instructor for quantitative chemistry and I volunteer at the greenhouse where we work with rare and exotic plants.
As a little girl, I loved doing crafts and helping people. I crocheted, knitted, practiced origami and made jewelry. I always wanted to be a dentist, but I did not understand exactly what it took to become one. It was not until I was older that I realized that dentistry was an occupation that is perfectly tailored to my interests and capabilities. Dentistry allows me to lend a helping hand to those in need by using the skills I have learned through arts and crafts. Meanwhile, I also get to develop meaningful relationships with people of varying backgrounds!
When I am not busy with school and extra-curricular activities, I like to tend to my plants, dabble in calligraphy and photography, and press flowers. I still make jewelry and I especially enjoy going on adventures with my family and friends.
