ELLISVILLE – Just before Wendy Mendoza of Laurel graduated from Jones College last May, she learned she was selected as one of only three college students in the state to be accepted into the Mississippi Rural Dentists Scholarship Program. She is also the first JC graduate to earn such an honor in the program’s 12-year history.
“Wendy Mendoza is an exceptional young woman who has worked hard here at Jones College,” said her JC advisor and biology instructor, Dr. Melinda Butler. “No one is more deserving of the MS Rural Dentist Scholarship than Wendy. She is self-confident, resourceful, and possesses excellent interpersonal skills. Wendy will become a caring dentist.”
In fact, Mendoza is well on her way to becoming a dentist by being accepted into this prestigious program coordinated through the University of Mississippi Medical Center. After enduring three rounds of interviews at UMMC, and being accepted into the program in May, Mendoza took part in the initial phase of the two-year undergraduate prep for dental school over the summer. She also began the academic pathway into the pre-dental program at the University of Mississippi on August 25.
“In July, we toured the dental school, learned about Dental Admission Tips and did waxing teeth activities during a two-day introduction at UMMC,” shared Mendoza. “It was a lot of fun!”
Being a dentist is not something Mendoza has always dreamt about, but she did enjoy going to the dentist as a young child. Her original goal has always been to be a dental hygienist but then she realized there are not many dentists with a similar background as her.
“It’s a male dominated field but when I was young, I had to translate every single thing for my parents because they don’t speak English. I want to be able to help those who have similar backgrounds, and I’ve always loved everything about the dentist and oral health. I even enjoyed playing dental video games as a kid,” shared the 2023 West Jones High School graduate.
As she began her freshman year of college at JC, conversations with her advisor made her consider changing her career plans, but she had to overcome shyness. Being a member of the Bobcat Brigade and working at a local contractor’s office helped her gain confidence to handle the interviews and rigors of dental school.
“Jones is a great place to start. I needed this place because like any medical major, the classes are difficult. The smaller class sizes allowed me to make friends with the few people taking organic chemistry and the instructor. Being involved with Bobcat Brigade, meeting people and giving tours also helped me personally. Furthermore, my boss’s wife, and EVP of Marketing at JC, Dr. Finee’ Ruffin coached me on how to handle my nerves during interviews,” said Mendoza. “Originally, I had a scholarship to play soccer at a different school but I didn’t feel comfortable so I thought I would see how I would do at Jones. It was better than I could ever imagine. Everything fell into place.”
Shadowing local dentists while at Jones also helped Mendoza decide her career path and being accepted for the Rural Dentists Scholarship Program, solidified her choice. Through the MRDSP, Mendoza will have opportunities to work with and be mentored by local dentists, and she will get additional training through dental encounters. If she gets accepted into dental school after earning her bachelor’s degree, she will have up to four years of her tuition paid. In return, she plans to return to Ellisville to practice.
“Ellisville is where I started so I think I want to give back here because so many people helped me here in Ellisville,” said Mendoza. “I can even see myself mentoring other future dentists if I have my office down the road from Jones College.”
VP of Enrollment Management at Jones, Dr. Amanda McLeod, is sure Mendoza will not only succeed but thrive. She witnessed her growth as a member of the enrollment management team’s student leaders when Mendoza was a member of the Bobcat Brigade.
“Wendy Mendoza is exactly the kind of future healthcare professional our rural communities need. She is driven, compassionate, and committed to making a difference. I have no doubt she’ll make a lasting impact on the lives of the patients and communities she serves,” McLeod said proudly.
Mendoza and Mississippi State University students, Haley Harris of Louisville, and Haley Jenkins of Meridian were also accepted into the Mississippi Rural Dentists Scholarship Program this year. For more information about the MRDSP click on the website: https://umc.edu/Office%20of%20Academic%20Affairs/For-Students/Academic%20Outreach%20Programs/Mississippi%20Rural%20Dentists%20Scholarship%20Program/Mississippi%20Rural%20Dentists%20Scholarship%20Program.html
