Oceanside Student Surprised With Life-Changing Scholarship

Nicole Harrington, a dedicated Dental Assistant (DA) student at UEI College Oceanside, experienced an unforgettable moment when what she thought was a nerve-wracking final interview for a scholarship turned into a joyous celebration. The mother of three, who relocated to Camp Pendleton due to her husband’s 17-years of service in the U.S. Marine Corps., was delighted to learn on a video call that she had been selected as a recipient of the prestigious Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship from the Pacific Dental Services Foundation (PDSF).

Recognizing the importance of dental assistants to the future of dentistry, PDSF created the Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assisting Scholarship to provide students with need-based financial aid, mentorship, and on the job training. Named after Dr. Carolyn Ghazal for her heart for service and mentorship, the scholarship is awarded to students who demonstrate a deep passion for the dental field. Since its creation, PDSF has awarded over $1.9 million in scholarships to more than 350 dental assistant students. 

Now in her fifth month of UEI’s dental assistant program, Nicole logged on for what she thought would be a rigorous video interview with the scholarship committee as part of the process of applying. It started with submitting an essay about her reasons for becoming a dental assistant.

“I was so nervous,” she said. “I thought it was the final round of interviews, and I was trying to prepare myself for anything. My hands were shaking, and I kept going over my essay in my head.”

Instead of facing a panel of questions, she was greeted with smiles and the life-changing news that she had won the scholarship.

Nicole’s essay stood out to the committee for its heartfelt message and clear passion for the field. It highlighted her community service, her experience as a paraprofessional working with special needs children, and her lifelong connection to dentistry through her mother’s 20-year career in a dental office. She also shared how the scholarship would help ease financial burdens as her family prepares to relocate to Tennessee in the near future, following her husband’s retirement from the military.

“I wrote about helping special needs kids, like the one I work with who was wheelchair-bound, and how much that meant to me,” Nicole said. “I also mentioned my mom, who inspired me to pursue dental assisting, and how this scholarship would be a huge help to me and my family.”

The surprise announcement turned Nicole’s anxiety into tears of joy. “When they told me I got the scholarship, I just started crying,” she said. “It was such a relief. With three kids and a big move coming up in the future, this means we can focus on building our future.”

“Nicole’s story reflects the transformative power of this scholarship.  The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarship is not only just financial support, but as a launchpad for a meaningful career,” said Michael Le, Executive Director of the Pacific Dental Services Foundation. “Dental assistants like Nicole are the backbone of oral health care, and we’re proud to support her as she takes this first step toward a future filled with purpose, growth, and impact.  We cannot wait to stay connected with her throughout her journey.”

Nicole’s journey to UEI began with search for a robust dental assistant program. Having briefly trained in the field in 2009, she wanted to refresh her skills and learn new techniques, such as coronal polishing and sealants, which weren’t part of her earlier education. She has thrived at UEI, earned a spot on the President’s List nearly every term while balancing evening classes, a job as a paraprofessional and raising her three sons. Living on base at Camp Pendleton, just five minutes from UEI, has made her demanding schedule more manageable.

Dental Assistant Instructor Jessica Suarez praised Nicole’s commitment and passion. “Nicole is an exceptional student whose drive and compassion shine in everything she does,” she said. “Her dedication to her studies, her family, and her future in dental assisting is truly inspiring, and this scholarship is a testament to her hard work and heart. We are all proud of her and thankful to PDSF for selecting her for the scholarship.”

Nicole’s love for dental assisting stems from childhood memories of visiting her mother’s dental office and job-shadowing there.

“I love seeing people smile and loving their smile,” she said. “This is very meaningful work. When people leave loving how their smile looks, it feels so rewarding.”

Looking ahead, she plans to build a career that will support her family when her husband retires from the Marines in the future.

For Nicole, the scholarship is a steppingstone to a more rewarding, fulfilling future. “This means I can give my boys a better life and start my career on the right foot,” she said. “I’m so grateful for UEI, PDSF and this opportunity.”

As Nicole continues her DA training, her story highlights the transformative power of scholarships, where students with big dreams find the extra support to help them succeed.