Introduction to a Girl Who Likes Teeth
"Teeth?! No way."
I know, I know. As someone entering dental school this fall, you would not believe how many times I've gotten that reaction.
Hi. My name is Kyra Shock, and I've always liked loved going to the dentist. To me, it's like getting my hair cut. Ah, the feeling of getting my teeth cleaned. Unfortunately... I know at least a few people who don't share that sentiment. :-)
I'm majoring in Biology, and this spring is my last semester before graduating undergrad and moving to the next chapter of my life. You've probably seen me around campus at least once. Does a red and white uniform or fluffy, white plume ring a bell? Or, what about those people on the field during halftime on game days? Yeah, that's me.
I've played the trumpet since 6th grade.. which was almost 12 years ago. Marching band has been one of my absolute favorite things, especially in college. There truly has not been another experience like it. It's been rather unfortunate for my last season (ever) to be nae-nae'd by COVID-19. I miss the feeling of running out of the tunnels into the middle of a stadium of 85,000 fans yelling at the top of their lungs and performing pregame, a tradition most beloved by the OU community. I miss a lot of what used to be. But, I've accepted the change, and I hope to never forget the memories from the previous years.
I really like contemplating what happens to us after we die and the meaning of life. Lately I've been vibing with the idea of reincarnation and past lives. I know "witchtok" sounds silly, but I've heard some ideas from there that honestly sound plausible. Like, spirit guides? I did this meditation where you're supposed to meet your spirit guide, and let me tell you that was an experience. I won't go into it, but I have more belief in it now than I did beforehand. Also, past lives sounds so realistic to me. I wonder if I had a cottagecore-style past life and that's why I love the idea of living peacefully alone in a cottage in the woods away from society.
Hi Kyra!
ReplyDeleteGreat introduction, I chuckled out loud at the teeth bit. As someone who had braces in middle school, I have an appreciation for dentists/orthodontists/anyone who looks out for teeth!
Also really like the hard-hitting conclusion, instead of just sticking with the surface level fun facts about you. I definitely ponder these things too. I wonder what I might have been if I had a past life...?
Hi Kyra,
ReplyDeleteOh man.. Teeth, For such a Resilient part of your body they aren't very resilient. I am on my second set of braces believe it or not!
That's pretty impressive to be in the OU Band, I have always been fascinated by musical instruments but have never had the dedication to learn one, which I will probably regret someday. If I could learn any instrument it would be the violin, but people spend a lifetime learning that instrument and many end up just decent.
Fun Fact about me, I have never been to an OU game during my stay here.
Hi Kyra!
ReplyDeleteI am so glad I found your blog! Someone commented on mine saying that we are both interested in teeth! I am a dental hygienist major and that also stemmed from me loving to go to the dentist. We have come across each other’s path multiple times. I am cheerleader here at OU, so we’ve been a football games, basketball games, etc. I also miss what Covid has taken away. Game days just aren’t the same.
I can say that I have never read the Twilight books, but I sure do love the movies. I suggest you watch them (if you haven’t already) once you finish the series. I’m team Jacob though.
It was nice getting to know you. Good luck on your dental career.
Hey Kyra!
ReplyDeleteI am also a senior bio major, we might be in a few classes together or have been in the past who knows! I also love teeth and can't wait to have my own dental practice. I recently got invited to go with Baylor's Dental school (now A&M) to go to Honduras and clean teeth for the summer! Have you taken the DAT or applied to OUHSC? I hope you have a great semester, keep crushing it! -David Czovek
Hi Kyra!
ReplyDeleteMy roommate wants to be a dentist, and I want to be a doctor, and we both think that the other is absolutely nuts. That being said, I have heard a lot of reasons to want to be a dentist, and I completely respect it! It is so exciting that you have been accepted into dental school in the fall. Congratulations! Your teeth are beautiful, and I would want you to be my dentist just based on that!
Hey Kyra!
ReplyDeleteI've had metal in my mouth since I was in first grade, and while I couldn't at the time, I really appreciate all the hard work dentists go through to help such a crucial part of our bodies. I wish you luck as you move forward in your career!
Funny thing, I also used to play the trumpet! It's something I wanted to do ever since I can remember so it is always cool meeting others with the same passions as me!
Hey Kyra!
ReplyDeleteI gotta say, I was not expecting to open this and find someone talking about how they like teeth and the dentist! I was definitely expecting to see a list of hobbies and activities (many of which we have in common, minus the uber-scary wakeboarding!) and was pleasantly surprised by your intro! I can also definitely relate to the bummer Covid has made on senior year. Not being able to go to football games or hang out with friends at Cate or the Union after a stressful test are sorely missed this year. Wishing you well finishing up this semester and starting in grad classes this upcoming fall!
Hi Kyra!
ReplyDeleteYour love for teeth is something I unfortunately can't relate to. I had braces through out middle and high school and was relieved to stop talking about them once they were finally taken off. But good for you for finding something you're passionate about and wanting to start a career in it! Your hobbies were really interesting to read about since I don't know too many people who regularly wakeboard in Oklahoma or carve clay. This makes me want to take up more unusual hobbies myself!
Hello again Kyra! I just wanted to reply to your comment you left on my blog regarding Emily in Paris. I 100% binged the entire show over a weekend, so I couldn't have hated it that much. And I agree with you that it was fun seeing Emily in, well, Paris. The French love interest is what definitely kept me watching through to the end. I just thought the whole show was kinda bland and her character didn't have any depth. That being said, will I be watching the second season? Yes. Yes I will.
DeleteHi, again Kyra, it is interesting that you loved going to the dentist, I was always neutral about it. I did not hate it or love it. Congratulations on this being your last semester of undergraduate!! I think that it is really cool that you are part of the marching band! I have only been to one OU game but I remember the band, that was one of my favorite parts of the whole thing.
ReplyDeleteHi Kyra! That's so cool that you want to be a dentist! Although that's not a career path for me, I had a dentist once who really fought to get me out of wisdom teeth pain, so I'm grateful for them. :) I've had a few friends in the Pride before, and they've always seemed to have such a good experience, so I'm glad you've been able to enjoy the time you've had!
ReplyDeleteHi Kyra! That is so cool that you are going to dental school. I used to be terrified of the dentist when I was a little child but it does not bother me anymore. I also think it is very neat that you are in the Pride of Oklahoma. A couple of people from my high school are also in the band here. Good luck with the rest of your undergrad career and dental school!
ReplyDeleteHi Kyra, I enjoyed reading your introduction. I think it’s neat that you enjoy going to the dentist but unfortunately, I am on the other end as the dentist is definitely not my favorite place to be. I’ve had braces when I was younger, and I honestly respect everyone working with teeth as I know it’s not an easy job. I hope that you finish the semester off well and good luck on your future ventures!
ReplyDeleteHi Kyra, nice to meet you! I too enjoy going to the dentist, although probably not as much as you do. Keeping my teeth in check is very important to me since I spent so much time in middle school and high school wearing braces. I was never in marching band, but I did play trombone for 3 years in my middle school band. Sad to see your final semester end during times like these but good luck on your future adventures!
ReplyDeleteDang, Kyra. Your introduction post is very popular. I only have one comment on mine... Just kidding. My family goes to Lake Texoma, too. Maybe I've seen you on campus and on the lake. My problem is not going skiing/surfing enough, so I end up forgetting what I learned the last time. I've thought about being a dentist before. Although some people need to be more careful when they clean teeth, the pain hasn't been bad enough to scare me away. Good luck with teeth and trumpeting. Maybe you can combine those two into a practice where you do oral surgeries, and then you wake up the patient with a trumpet bellow. Nice!
ReplyDeleteIt is so fun seeing this Introduction now that I am already into your fairy Storybook, Kyra: I wonder if there are dentists in the Islands of Villia, ha ha. Where there are teeth, there are dentists, and it's always good to have a dentist who really loves teeth. :-)
ReplyDeleteAnd how cool that you play the trumpet! Over winter break, I watched the Ken Burns' series Jazz and I developed a new respect for the great trumpet-players of the jazz tradition. Jazz is not exactly marching band music, but of course the power of trumpet can work its magic in all kinds of performances.
And now I am so curious to see how your cottagecore past life will emerge in your fairy stories: it sounds like a VERY congenial fit, a perfect project to channel your cottagecore identity into a dramatic fantasy world, yay!
Hi Kyra!
ReplyDeleteIt's so cool that you play trumpet! I have been playing instruments since the second grade and I love meeting someone with the same interest. My friend Connor is actually in the Oklahoma Pride picture with you so what a small world? I do not like going to the dentist, but also my aunt is my dentist so it's a necessary evil if I don't want to get yelled at. Congrats on getting into dental school though. I hope your love for going to the dentist rubs off on your patients!
Hi Kyra!
ReplyDeleteI think dentistry is a great profession! One of my close friends is going to school to be a dentist as well. I am one of those people who enjoys getting their teeth cleaned. I find it relaxing and I love how my mouth feels when I'm done.
I am curious about past lives as well.
Anyhow, I wish you and your future the best!
Hey Kyra, nice to meet you! I am also a pre-dentistry major but I cant say I had the same love for going to the dentist when I was younger. I really got interested in dentistry around my sophomore year of highschool. I just recently got into Tiktok and its creeped its way into one my top hobbies as well lol. Congrats on going to dental school in the fall hope you have a great semester!
ReplyDeleteHello Kyra,
ReplyDeleteI've never really been too interested in looking at other people's teeth all day, but someone's gotta do it! I have had both my dentist and orthodontist suggest working with teeth to me, but I just can't really see myself in that field. I haven't played an instrument in so long, I played the trombone in middle school, but only for 2 years. Also, I am impressed by anyone who can successfully play the trumpet with the tiny mouthpiece they have. Best of luck with your future of teeth!
Hi Kyra,
ReplyDeleteI immediately recognized one of my friends in your picture which is really funny! My friend Conner does the pride too and is a senior! We actually decided to come to OU together, so it is so funny when I see him in other people's pictures and stuff like that! It's like worlds colliding haha! I think it is very funny that you have always loved going to the dentist. I never minded it, but I always thought it was annoying that they tried to carry conversation with me when my mouth was wide open. Not my favorite thing in the world.
Howdy Kyra!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, "Shock" is a really cool last name! Secondly, I'm sorry to hear that you lost your last season of marching band to covid. I played sax in high school and had the time of my life on the football field. That damn virus really mucked everything up, didn't it? I wish you all the best in your post-undergrad career and I'll leave you with one of my favorite dentist-related quotes from a good friend of mine: "Your dentist talking to you is like talking to your spaghetti while you're trying to eat it. One, it can't talk back to you and two, if it could, it wouldn't because you're stabbing it with a fork."
Hi Kyra! Lovely to 'meet' you! I actually love going to the dentist also, like you said it is quite like getting a haircut, feeling nice and refreshed and ready to take on the world! Also clay-carving sounds like such fun, and like a great way to spend your time between all the other obligations you have. Do you take your clay from the ground ever? Your musings on reincarnation and wonderings about life sound like a really fruitful base for your storytelling. I hope you're having fun with this course!
ReplyDeleteHey Kyra! I think it is awesome that you want to go to Dental School! One of my best friends is a Junior and she too is a Biology major and wanting to be a Dentist. What a small world! I have never gone wakeboarding, but it honestly looks hard. I tried snowboarding and epically failed so if it is anything like that I do not think I will be very good at it.
ReplyDelete