She had a rare eye condition, but as a child Nashida Woods could not tell it was there. Not until she was in her late 30’s and it had progressed to the point when she began to have trouble seeing. She went to the eye doctor who tested and diagnosed her with Keratoconus – a condition of the dome-shaped cornea (that covers your eye) which gradually re-shapes itself into a cone, distorting eyesight and progressively getting worse. It was not curable, but there were definitely ways to slow the progress.
Already a working single mother with two young daughters, Nashida had her hands full. But she also had, as her SJVC instructors in the Dental Assisting program discovered, a deep drive to succeed. And, despite her challenges, she found resources for her eye condition and a positive attitude to keep her going. As her instructor said, “She made it a great day every day.”
This is her story.
Tell me about yourself.
I am a single parent of two girls, 11 and 9. I’m used to being a single mom and juggling many different things at the same time. I was born in Fresno and come from a large family of nine children. And I have a fraternal twin sister.
How did you get interested in the Dental Assisting program?
I am a natural nurturer and I’ve always had a passion for healthcare. At first, I thought I’d start in the medical field, but I found it was too much paperwork. And then, well into middle age, I got braces. It changed my whole perspective on healthcare. I loved the environment of the dental office, fell in love with the kinds of people who worked there and the responsibilities of the staff. I spoke to the orthodontist there and from that moment on I decided to go back to school at SJVC into the Dental Assisting program.
Once you were at SJVC, how did you manage with the visual impairment you had?
As a younger student, when it comes to education, I’ve always been an honor student; that was no different at SJVC. But I was older and my eyesight was worse, so it was challenging and it took more for me to be successful. But SJVC worked with me. They gave me extra time on tests and other accommodations. They met me half way.
Also, after I was diagnosed I became a part of the Valley Center for the Blind. I have a counselor there named Martha who has been wonderful. She gave me an assessment, filled out medical documentation to determine what I would need to apply myself at school, and got me aids to make it easier to do my studies. For example, I was given a very special computer that helps me see.
When did you graduate?
December 2022. I started working in regular dentistry, then family dentistry, and I’m currently working with an orthodontist practice.
What is it about Dental Assisting that you like the best?
Just the whole environment. You can learn so much and there’s always more to learn. You can move around in dentistry, like I have done already, but there’s also pediatric dentistry and specializing in root canals besides regular dentistry and ortho. The tools from the Valley Center for the Blind are not as helpful in the dentist environment, but each time I moved and was learning new things, the environment is so easy and the staff are so helpful. If I’m ever challenged visually, I feel very comfortable asking my coworkers
Do you have any goals beyond where you are now?
Yes! My end goal is to be a Dental Hygienist. There’s a two-year program in Visalia I hope to enroll in when I figure out the financing.
What’s the most important thing you learned about yourself while studying in the Dental Assisting program?
I’ve grown more to be willing to be flexible in each and every way. You’ve got to roll with the punches and do your very best regardless, because if you do you will come out on top. It’s always good to be trained for something. I like to think I’m trained but prepared for something greater.
Is there anything else you would like to say to potential students from your own experience?
Yes. They must try. If they don’t apply themselves, they will never know what things they could accomplish. The very first step is to take the initiative to apply to school.
