A Conversation with Madison

By Madison Juszczak 

What is your favorite inspirational quote?

Mother Teresa courageously shared with the world that “we can do small things with great love.” Her words beautifully convey the message that no matter the situation we find ourselves in, we are capable of serving others in various shapes and forms. The results of the pandemic represent the perfect example of this, considering the heightened isolation, financial burden, and concern for loved ones we have all experienced. I have witnessed countless small acts of service throughout this past year that exuded love, whether it was one neighbor dropping off groceries for an elder or another mentoring high school students online. I believe we each have a unique set of positive qualities and are able to use those gifts to do good. We may never know the effect that one small act of kindness can have on a person.

What are you most proud of?

I am most proud of earning acceptance into dental school. Reflecting back on my first year of college nearly five years ago, I found myself stuck in a mindset where I feared the possibility of failure. The thought of being “weeded out” of the application pool like some sort of unwanted plant made my stomach churn. I was constantly reminded of how difficult it would be to earn acceptance into a professional program without stellar credentials. In return, I took those reminders and translated them into unrealistic standards for myself, which resulted in an unhealthy amount of pressure to succeed. Earning one poor grade on a chemistry exam nearly convinced me that I was not cut out for the career I aspired to.

As silly as it seems now, it was a critical learning experience. Learning to accept mistakes (small or large) as opportunities to grow graced me with the momentum to challenge myself and explore new avenues. I believe young women are more inclined to experience the pressures set by society as they navigate early adulthood. Thus, when I started dental school, I took the initiative to join the Women in Dentistry Club to provide advice to pre-dental students and remind them that they are capable of achieving anything they put their minds to. I am proud to be part of a dental school class that is composed of 61% female students.

Who is your role model? Why?

My mother is my biggest role model. She is a woman who walks a life propelled by faith and humility despite having faced adversity. I am thankful for every time she wiped my tears from a bad dream, cheered me on from the sidelines, and expressed her sincere encouragement. Time after time, I have witnessed her give to others, whether it be emptying her pockets for someone in need or offering a stranger a hug. My mom is an incredible example of strength and character for my siblings and me.

What are you passionate about?

I am passionate about working with children. I believe this passion is rooted in the fact that I have seven nieces! A major perk of having three brothers 10–18 years older than me was becoming the world’s proudest aunt at just 6 years old. In the third grade, I somehow maneuvered bringing my 2-year-old niece in for show-and-tell. My nieces have always inspired me with their unique personalities and interests. Therefore, I made an effort to become involved in service opportunities centered on children when I started college. I tutored at an aftercare program and coordinated a playroom at a children’s hospital. It was through these experiences that the significance of oral health became evident to me, and I found ways to educate children on the importance of caring for their teeth. A goal of mine as an aspiring dentist is to make children’s experience with dental care fun.

If you’d like to connect with Madison, you can find her on Instagram at @maddi_jo_.