Impressions.

These are some of my nieces and nephews (the two older ones are my little sisters). I love them. Lucky for me, they're living with me for the summer! As cheesy as it sounds, I'd do anything for them.

I have so much love in my heart for children. Kids are special. Not because they are cute and say the funniest things, but because they have  potential.  They can be great, they can do great things, and they can change society in major ways. Potential is huge. Somehow, over time, most people get stuck in the same place in life but kids are always changing, always growing, learning and thinking.

The scary thing about all of this, is that as much as children have potential, they are also highly impressionable. Whatever I do, whatever I say, my nieces and nephew will follow. I have the opportunity to take part in molding the attitudes, thoughts, and lives of every child I encounter.

I hope and pray, and pray some more, that the affect that I have on the lives of children, whether family or not, is positive. I hope that society will improve as new generations take over. I want my life to be one that younger children can follow.

For awhile, I strongly considered pediatric dentistry.  It's still on my heart, though I definitely feel called, and will follow the calling, to oral surgery. I have found ways to participate in pediatrics a little still, and it's been wonderful.  There's one day a year, called "Give Kids a Smile Day", that basically screens uninsured children for cavities and necessary dental operations. After the kids are screened, dentists around the area offer up their services for free to help the children. Last year, I was able to participate in two screening days.  It was crazy to see how horribly the children's mouths were taken care of, but it was amazing to see their reaction to getting help and so fun to teach them how to brush with stuffed animals.  I have a feeling that I will never completely leave pediatrics behind, especially since many of the people seeking help for clefts in third world countries are children.

Never forget the impact that you have on the lives around you, especially the young, impressionable ones.