DSS President Elizabeth Worndl on stepping up during extraordinary times and cherishing every moment
It’s not the expected ending to four years of dental school at U of T. Instead of grad prom (postponed) and celebrating together at Convocation (virtual) and Licensing (also postponed), students from the Class of 2020 have been holding Zoom chats — sticking together while being physically apart.
Will the global pandemic keep the Class of 2020 down? Elizabeth Worndl, DSS president and fourth year graduating student, says the global pandemic will only make this class stronger, better dentists.
Has it been difficult to be physically apart from your classmates going into the homestretch of your DDS degrees?
It has been hard settling into the reality that we will be closing out our four years of school apart this way. We are such a tightly knit group, and we’ve been through some of the best and most challenging times of our lives together. I think that we were all looking forward to our final months together to celebrate the completion of our degrees, but we also understand the importance of staying apart for the health and safety of ourselves and our community.
What are some of the ways your classmates have been trying to overcome that physical distance?
We are so used to seeing one another every day, so when it came to physically distancing ourselves, we did not hesitate to turn to online platforms right away to stay in touch! We set up a Zoom chat for the whole class on our first official day apart, and since then, groups of students have taken the initiative to organize their own Zoom or Houseparty meetings regularly. Many of us have also used this opportunity to connect with each other and other dental professionals across the continent by participating in free CE courses offered through online platforms. It has been an amazing opportunity for us to learn — and we can stay in our pyjamas, which is a definite perk!
Many of us will be carving out our own paths in a world of dentistry that looks a little bit different than what we expected
Are there any insights or lessons that you think your class may take away from these unique circumstances?
Don’t take anything for granted! Though many of us were feeling slightly burnt out and dreaming of a break after completing our Board Exams, I never would have imagined how much I could miss being away from school, the clinics, our instructors, and our friends. Even though our four years at the Faculty tested us in so many ways, I would give anything to return to the busy school days filled with challenges to overcome and lessons to be learned.
How do you think the pandemic may change your plans, or that of some of your classmates, going forward?
Just like everybody else, we are waiting to hear when life will somewhat return to a state of normalcy. The only difference for us is that we are in a position of starting jobs, residencies, and specialty programs. I believe that many of us will be carving out our own paths in a world of dentistry that looks a little bit different than what we expected. Perhaps we will have to delay plans to purchase practices, or become more accustomed to treating emergencies rather than elective care, but ultimately this is an amazing learning experience for us and we will come out of this more adaptable and resilient dentists.
What kinds of support or messages do you think the graduating class would like to receive (from the Faculty, or alumni) as you reach graduation during a pandemic?
Already the outpouring of support from the Faculty, staff, and instructors has been overwhelming. Obviously we are graduating in unusual times, but it’s nice to be reassured that this incredible milestone we have reached is not being overlooked, and that one day we will get to celebrate our achievements together again as a class.
The DSS has had to step into roles of extraordinary leadership over the past couple of months – how do you think that has shaped the DSS, and do you think that will that lead to lasting changes?
I am so impressed with how the students on the DSS, and all student leaders, have stepped up to the plate and adapted to new roles during this difficult time. Who knew we would be faced with helping to make challenging decisions like postponing Dentantics or conducting exams online? Our student leaders have advocated for their peers every step of the way, by listening to their concerns and voicing them to Faculty members. I appreciate all of the work that the students have done to help one another through this pandemic, and I thank the Faculty for being receptive and making some incredibly difficult decisions with the wellbeing of the students in mind.
What words of advice or encouragement would you impart to your fellow classmates as you graduate?
Congratulations! As I mentioned earlier, we may be closing out our four years under unusual circumstances, but that does not make our achievements any less important. We have weathered some of the most difficult moments of our lives together thus far, and this is just another challenge we will overcome as a class. Continue to support one another, and we will come out of this stronger than we were before… and we’ll be dentists when we meet again!
What words of advice or encouragement would you share with the DSS as a whole?
Though it can be difficult and exhausting at times, the opportunities within the walls of the Faculty are endless. To those of you who are lucky enough to be returning to school once the pandemic settles, cherish every moment you have remaining at the Faculty. If this situation has taught me anything, it is to not take the opportunity to learn for granted. Make an effort to absorb up as much information as you can from your instructors and peers, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes and learn from them. Stay positive, stay healthy, and get excited for what the future holds!
Watch this year's DSS Awards Night online.
Photo: Liz Worndl (Sharice Molko)