From Rock Bottom to Rising Star: Stockton Dental Assistant Student Earns Scholarship
When Shelby Cordova walked into UEI College in Stockton, she wasn’t just starting a new program — she was rebuilding her life. The Dental Assistant (DA) student is now celebrating a milestone that once seemed out of reach, recently being awarded the Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship from the Pacific Dental Services Foundation (PDSF).
Before enrolling at UEI, Shelby was fighting a personal battle.
“I was in a recovery program at the Gospel Center Rescue Mission,” she said. “I have a little over a year clean and sober now. Before that, I had been homeless and using drugs for 10 years. I even went to jail. When I got out, I knew I needed to do something different.”
Her first six months in recovery were dedicated to healing and understanding herself. When it was time to take the next step, she chose education.
“I knew I wanted a career. I wanted to be productive, be part of society again, and do life the right way,” she said.
For Shelby, the dental assistant program at UEI Colleg felt like the perfect fit.
“I’ve always been super intrigued with teeth and with good hygiene,” she said. “Even when I was homeless, I always had good hygiene. So, the dental program just made sense.”
At UEI, Shelby found more than an education; she found a support system.
“UEI is awesome. So supportive,” she said. “All of my instructors and classmates are very encouraging. It feels like a family there. Honestly, I wouldn’t have been able to finish the program without their support.”
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A Scholarship that Opened Doors
The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship was created by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation to support dental assistant students with need-based financial aid, mentorship, and opportunities for on-the-job training. Named after Dr. Carolyn Ghazal, who is widely recognized for her commitment to service and mentorship, the scholarship helps students who show deep passion for the field of dentistry. Since its creation, PDSF has awarded over $1.9 million in scholarships to more than 360 dental assistant students nationwide.
“Shelby’s resilience inspires us,” said Michael Le, Executive Director of the Pacific Dental Services Foundation. By investing in her commitment to growth, we’re helping ensure her talent and hard work translate into a future that strengthens the dental profession and the community she serves.”
For Shelby, the award means more than financial relief.
“I feel like I’m already starting at the bottom and having to work my way up again,” she said. “So, when they said that I got the scholarship, I was just so overwhelmed with excitement. Knowing that they have faith in me was really encouraging. I have faith in myself, but to have recognition from other people is so heartwarming.”
“I’m so grateful to PDSF for this scholarship. It takes away a huge financial burden and gives me the chance to focus fully on my training and my future,” she said. “It makes me feel seen, supported, and motivated to keep pushing forward.”
Shelby’s instructors at UEI have seen her resilience and transformation firsthand.
“Shelby’s journey is nothing short of inspiring,” said Vantharie Chhoyeng, Dental Assistant Instructor at UEI College Stockton. “She has overcome incredible obstacles and still comes to class with determination, positivity, and a genuine love for learning. This scholarship is not just a recognition of her hard work, but a reminder that she is destined for great things in dentistry.”
Shelby is preparing for an externship, the next step toward a long-term career in dentistry. Ultimately, she hopes to further her education in orthodontics or pediatrics.
“Eventually I want to go back to school and do ortho or pediatrics, either one. I mean, they kind of go hand in hand, but I want to work with kids some way,” she said.
Shelby is proud of the fresh start she’s built.
“I had a new opportunity to do life the right way,” she said. “And I’m taking it.”
