I was baptized Efrosini Marjorie Bacol at the Assumption of the Virgin Mary, Greek Orthodox Church in Long Beach, California. As both my parents are first generation Greek Americans, I spent my childhood immersed in the Greek Orthodox culture and faith. As an active member in our Greek community I participated in GOYA, Maids of Athena, and the Folk Dance Festival. I was fortunate enough to see Greece for the first time in 2016 and it was truly a magnificent and unforgettable experience.
I graduated cum laude from California State University, Long Beach in 2016 and received a Bachelor of Science in Kinesiology with a focus in Exercise Science. Currently, I am a third-year dental student and have been awarded the achievement of Dean’s List for all six semesters at the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, where I strive to one day provide optimal dental care for all my patients. At school, I participate in the Lucy Hobbs Taylor Society. Lucy Hobbs Taylor was the first American woman to graduate from dental school. At the Herman Ostrow School of Dentistry of USC, we honor her memory by assigning a second-year female student to mentor a first-year female student throughout her time in dental school and beyond. In addition to the Lucy Hobbs Taylor Society, I am a member of “AYUDA” at USC. AYUDA is a nonprofit organization whose purpose is to provide free dental care for underserved individuals. I am confident the knowledge and skills I receive at the dental school of USC, combined with the Greek ideology and compassion instilled in me, will allow me to achieve my dream as a distinguished health care provider.
I am honored and grateful to be chosen as one of the recipients of The HAMDS 2019 Scholarship for California Medical and Dental students.