Following your destiny – when hard work and determination really pay off

seating area at Westbourne Grove DentalSonia Ali explains why she believes it was her destiny to take over Westbourne Grove Dental.

I have a vivid memory of secondary school at Craigholme. The time when the all-important time to make career choices was to be made. I recall discussions with my careers tutor about my passion for art, fashion, science and maths. At that time I felt torn between dentistry and architecture.

My passion for dentistry soon awoke after my work experience at a local dental surgery. It became clear dentistry was the career for me.

After graduating in 2008 from the University of Dundee, Scotland, I fortunately met some truly amazing people, many of whom are still my friends today.

I was determined to give it all that I had to deliver a high standard. My strong work ethic stems from my parents having a business background themselves. I am the first to become a dentist in my family and I feel that my parents contributed to any success I achieve. My father was my rock and inspiration who always taught me an important lesson in life. That hard work pays off, make your own mark in life and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise.

Like many aspiring dentists, the completion of the compulsory vocational training year was fast approaching. I chose to complete this year in my home city of Glasgow, upon securing a place to carry out my extensive training.

On reflection, I recall this year to be filled with many important lessons to be learnt and encountered many challenges along the way. Perhaps this was due to the traditional structure of the training…

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