Meet Embry Hollowell
What is your major and why did you choose it?
My major is General Business, and I chose this major because I believe that having a strong business background is crucial for successfully running and maintaining a dental practice. I believe that taking the various Economics, Accounting, Excel, Marketing, and other classes in the business field are important and help with real-world business and financial decision making.
Why did you decide to pursue this health profession?
I chose to pursue dentistry because I love the complexity and creativity that comprises the dental field. I think that helping others maintain proper oral hygiene is extremely important, and I find that all of the dental procedures, such as fillings, extractions, root canals, and routine cleanings, are fascinating and can provide true relief for those that need them.
How has HPAO helped you?
HPAO, and specifically Dr. Taylor, has helped me by telling me exactly what to do to and how to do it to be a competitive dental school applicant. My freshman year Dr. Taylor told me the recommended community service hours, shadowing hours, year to take the DAT, leadership positions and honorary societies to apply for, etc. and I took his advice and ran with it throughout my freshman, sophomore, and junior years. I've found that these specific goals that he set in place for me early on kept me extremely motivated and on a strict yet doable schedule. I am so glad that I utilized the HPAO early on and received great advice for navigating through my college years to become a competitive and strong dental school applicant.
What is your most memorable experience working with HPAO?
My most memorable experience working with HPAO was definitely doing the student-led panels for incoming freshmen. Speaking in front of large groups of people has always made me slightly nervous, so when I walked in the large room in the Union with about 100 upcoming freshmen and their parents I was nervous. However, speaking alongside 5-10 other HPAO Ambassadors eased my nerves and I found that I enjoyed speaking to those people and providing them with advice for their upcoming college years. HPAO helped me step outside my comfort zone, and I believe that those student panels strengthened my public speaking skills.
What are your career goals?
My career goal is to get accepted into dental school, graduate from dental school, and either specialize in oral surgery or become a general dentist. Oral surgery and general dentistry have been my two favorite dental specialties that I have shadowed, and I hope to be either a general dentist or an oral surgeon one day.
What is your favorite meal in Oxford?
My favorite meal in Oxford is definitely Lenora's chicken parm.
What are you the happiest doing when you are not studying?
When I'm not studying, I'm happiest on the treadmill with my AirPods in listening to my different playlists or hanging out with my friends at our apartments. I love walking and running, and I find that my time on the treadmill always leaves me with a happier attitude, as does spending time laughing and hanging out with my friends.
Where is your favorite study spot?
My favorite study spot is the Science Library located in the Pharmacy building.