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Class of 2024 - Kristen Mullins

Kristen Mullins is a member of the WVU School of Dentistry Class of 2024.

1) Why did you choose WVU?

I chose WVU for many reasons. First, this is my home state. I love everything about WVU and upon graduation I plan to return back and serve my community in Hurricane, WV. Second, at WVU, students are introduced to clinical experience much sooner which creates more clinically competent doctors. Third, the atmosphere at WVU is contagious. As soon as you enter the dental school you are made to feel like family. When I participated in Destination Dentistry it solidified my desire to be a part of this pristine group of people that I now consider family.

2) What is your favorite activity?

My favorite activity is spending time with my family. My family consists of my mother, sister, sister-in-law, myself and our four legged friends! I believe spending time with your family and creating memories is irreplaceable. We enjoy traveling and being outdoors as much as possible. Our favorite time together is summer; we typically go camping, kayaking or hiking every weekend. If were not outside on an adventure you can find us playing some of our favorite card games.

3) What is your favorite TV program, movie, and who is your favorite music artist?

My favorite T.V. program is Greys Anatomy. My favorite movie is The Grinch. My favorite music artist is Halsey.

4) Who has been your greatest influence in your life, other than a family member, and why?

The greatest influence in my life other than a family member has to be a former teacher of mine, Mrs. Denise Foster. Denise and I met when I was sixteen years old. My junior year of high school I decided to attend Hurricane’s vocational school and participate in their two-year dental assisting program. After my first year, Denise highly encouraged me to keep going to school and persuing dentistry. Her constant words of encouragement and prayers are one of the many reasons why I am here today.

5) If you could be anyone, other than yourself, who would that be and why?

If I could be anyone else I would be Rosalind Elsie Franklin because of her groundbreaking work on the molecular structures of DNA. Rosalind made this discovery that helped James Watson, Francis Crick and Maurice Wilkins obtain a Nobel Prize. Her work may not have not been awarded, but it was not unnoticed. This speaks volumes about the type of person she was. I believe that you can do amazing things without feeling like you deserve something in return. This plays a role in why I chose to be in a profession that helps and rewards their patients!

6) What are your biggest worries about coming to the WVU dental school this fall?

My biggest worry is that I tend to be too hard on myself when I think I haven’t done something to the best of my ability. I have always done well in school, but I have to work hard; sometimes even harder than others. I put toward so much effort and strive to be the absolute best at all things in my path. I want to fully enjoy my four years at WVU with my new family without having any regrets.

7) How do you deal with stress?

I typically deal with stress through exercising. I have been a cheerleader for sixteen years so working out comes naturally to me. I find that the gym is the best way of decompressing after a stressful or long day. Scientifically, working out also releases endorphins in your brain that help you “feel better.”

8) If you could change the world, what would you do?

If I could change the world I simply wouldn’t change a thing. What I would change is the way people see the world. This world is a beautiful place with amazing opportunities. There is nothing good or bad about the world there are only good and bad ways of thinking about the world. Once we are able to change our views about the world is when we will be able to see the true beauty in every aspect it has to offer