Lesson 6- SWOT Analysis

Natalie Ek
March 24, 2011
Academic Plan SWOT Analysis
Major: Dental Hygiene
School planning on Transferring to: Cypress Community College, CA
School academic advisor: Kelly Carter
Classes I have already taken:
• Soc 1010- Intro to Sociology
• Psy 1010- Intro to Psychology
• Comm 1020-Public Speaking
• Zool 2320-Anataomy
• Zool 2320 Lab-Anatomy lab
• Chem 1110- Elementary Chemistry for Health Sciences
• Nutr 1020-Nutrition
• Eng 1010- English Into to writing
• Bio 1010- Essential Biology
• Micro 2060- Microbiology for Health Professionals
Classes I still need to take next semester Fall 2011:
• Zool 2420- Physiology
• Zool 2420- Physiology lab
• Chem 1120- Bio and Organic Chemistry for health professionals
• Stats 2040- Statistics
I have chosen this major because it is what I am passionate about. I find it interesting. I have worked as a dental hygiene assistant for many years and I am good at that job, I enjoy interacting with patients, educating them on their health and hygiene habits. I find the subject of the human body extremely interesting. I do understand however that with these strengths comes a few weaknesses. Anything in life worth achieving doesn’t come easily. I struggle with the level of difficulty with some of my science courses. Even though they may be interesting, in order to be accepted into a dental hygiene program you must have very good grades, often straight A’s, and sometimes this can be extremely frustrating especially when you end up with a B+ in a course you work really hard at and have to retake it the next semester. It has taken me longer than expected because of this. I have invested a lot of time and money into my education. Many people tell me to pursue something easier, but this is my passion and although it’s at times a rough road, it will be worth it in the end.
When I decided on going to school to get my degree, I decided I would only do it if I knew exactly what I wanted to do. I told myself that there is no point in taking all this time going to classes and investing money in an education if I am not coming out with a specific career. I have seen too many people do that and now have a Bachelors degree but no job or interests in a certain job. I plan on graduation in June 2014. I have researched the most affordable and best school for me to apply to for my Dental hygiene program and am fortunate to have had advice from many others who have already traveled down this same path.
Even though dental hygiene school is expensive, I feel it is an investment that will return. While doing my prerequisites I have weighed out the pros and cons of this major. It’s difficult; there are no questions there. I have thought about easier majors, but my heart keeps me here. I love teeth, I have always wanted to work with patients dental hygiene, I know I will be good at this job, I truly find happiness in it. Many struggle once they graduate and start working because although they enjoyed learning about their future career they found out once they started working they didn’t actually like their career. I feel my struggle is the opposite, the challenge for me comes in the prerequisite courses, once I am through those, I know I will enjoy my work. And that comes from previously working as an assistant to this field. So although the threats of keeping me from finishing are great, I feel my passion and desire are what keep me focused and determined.