As Kim Pham marches across the UST-Houston commencement stage on May 11 to receive her B.A. in Biology, she will be one step closer to achieving her dream career as a dentist. She has been accepted to the UTHealth School of Dentistry in Houston—her “dream dental school.”
Always Drawn to Dentistry
“I’m attracted to the direct impact that dentistry can have on patients and how a dental procedure can provide immediate relief from pain, allowing the patients to go home satisfied the same day,” the future dentist said.
The League City native, who has a natural talent for art, knew she wanted to find a way to use her creative skills to care for others.
Mixing Art with Natural Sciences
She recalled, “Once I uncovered my love for the natural sciences, dentistry was the perfect collaboration of artistry, the sciences and social service. Additionally, I love the hands-on aspect of the career and the manual dexterity it requires.”
Her creative art and organization skills came in handy at UST, where she designed merchandise for different student organizations on campus, illustrated figures for a genetics textbook, and organized Houston outreach service projects during her time as president of UST Doctors Without Borders.
Journey Not Without Challenges
Pham overcame certain challenges during her years at UST.
She said, “In addition to the challenges that come with maintaining my academics and the Dental Admission Test (DAT), I also faced the feeling of imposter syndrome and battled my expectations of myself. I overcame these challenges by being patient with my path and striving to build a work/school-life balance. I hope to continue incorporating this mindset as I go further into my career.”
As Pham strove for work/school-life balance at St. Thomas, she explored different restaurants and Houston attractions. She cultivated what became some of her closest friendships. And she sought and received mentorship from “some of the best professors ever.”
Grateful to UST
“Truly, this achievement would not have been possible without the love and support of my family and friends and the St. Thomas education I received,” Pham said. “The small classrooms, the passionate professors, and the wide availability of resources all allowed me to pave my way to success. And I believe the skills I have gained here at UST will continue to help me as I move forward on my academic journey.”
Envisioning her career 10 years from now, Pham muses that her minor in Free Enterprise and Entrepreneurship may kick in as she considers pursuing business ventures in dentistry.
Commencement 2024 When and Where
UST-Houston Commencement 2024 takes place Saturday, May 11, at 11 a.m., at NRG Stadium, 8400 Kirby Drive. UST commencement celebrates the achievements of 684 undergraduates and 302 graduate students. The Baccalaureate Mass held on Friday, May 10, at the Co-Cathedral of the Sacred Heart and the Commencement the following day will be livestreamed. View the livestream link here.
