SCHOLAR
SPOTLIGHT : RYLEIGH FOWLDS
Hometown : Spring Hill , Florida Dr . Michael D . Head Memorial Scholarship
What influenced your decision to attend PHSC ? When I was in my senior year of high school , I was unaware of what my future schooling and career looked like . Since I was so young and unsure , my mother suggested something in the dental field . In her words “ you have a beautiful smile ” and have always been interested in the dental world . PHSC was my entrance into this school and allowed me to take the necessary courses that were needed for me to get where I am now . I have always heard fantastic things about our dental programs offered at PHSC , which made the decision to attend PHSC that much easier .
Is there someone at PHSC that you admire and why ? I don ’ t think I can pick just one individual at PHSC that I admire . However , it is more of PHSC as a whole that I admire . Everyone whom I have encountered at PHSC has been kind and very helpful . They are genuinely interested in what the student ’ s best interests are and help you get to where you need to be . From admissions to advising , to financial aid , and to the instructors , it is understanding and dedication to making sure the students are getting the help and knowledge they need .
What are you studying ? I am currently in the A . S . Dental Hygiene program . We are approaching the end of our fourth semester and and began the final semester in January 2023 . This program was everything I was looking for and has just confirmed my love for the field drastically . I previously attended the dental assisting program at PHSC and received my certificate as an Expanded Functions Dental Assistant .
What is your fondest PHSC memory ? My fondest memory at PHSC was recently on November 4 , 2022 . Every year typically , the dental program at PHSC works with dentists in the area to provide free dental care to our veterans for Veteran ’ s Day . However , because of COVID , the school hadn ’ t been able to host this event . This year we had a great turn out and it was so rewarding to help people that have served this country . It was rewarding to give them the dental help they needed and see the smiles on their faces when they were done .
What did receiving this PHSC Foundation scholarship mean to you ? I was very honored and grateful to have received the PHSC Foundation scholarship . It has allowed me to obtain any extra books or supplies that were necessary for my education and has even helped pay for part of my tuition . It means a great deal and I will forever be thankful for receiving these funds and for allowing them to help me continue my education and receive the necessary tools to do so .
What does the future hold for you ? My near future consists of finishing my final semester of dental hygiene school . The goal is to pass both of my board exams and to graduate in May of 2023 . After graduating , I am interested in staying in the Hernando area and possibly finding a dental office in this area . I have not thought majorly about continuing into a bachelor ’ s degree in Hygiene , however , that is always something to think about .
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