You Belong Here: Syniah Saffold

You Belong Here: Syniah Saffold You Belong Here: Syniah Saffold

April 8, 2024, 9:35 AM

A great dental program and a reasonable proximity to home are the main reasons Syniah Saffold, a second-year-student in the College of Arts and Sciences (CAS), chose Southern Illinois University Edwardsville to begin her medical career.

"I am majoring in pre-dental medicine," said Saffold, a member of the Pre-Dental Association (PDA). "I researched the (Southern Illinois University) School of Dental Medicine in Alton and found out that it was a wonderful program."

"I met Ms. Saffold last semester," said Mikal Bell, DMD, Diversity Recruitment and Retention coordinator at the SIU School of Dental Medicine (SDM). "She expressed her interest in dentistry, and I informed her that I work with students interested in dentistry. We discussed her grades and how she's adapting to school. I also let her know that she could reach out to me with any questions."

"Our interaction was productive and encouraging," added Bell. "I believe she has been adapting to undergraduate life."

After connecting with students, Bell follows up with them each semester, according to Angela Pritchett, SDM director of Admissions and Student Services.

"During students' junior year, Dr. Bell refers them to me so I can guide them through the application process," said Pritchett.

Saffold was also attracted to SIUE because of the location. Saffold, who is from Chicago, did not want to go to school too far from home.

"I enjoyed my first year of school at SIUE and wanted to come back to finish what I started," she said.

However, her college experience has yielded some challenges along the way. "Going from high school to college was a big transition," said Saffold, who was valedictorian at Perspectives Rodney D. Joslin Campus, a charter high school in Chicago.

"On top of that, being a first-generation student, I didn't have people to look to for advice," she continued. "There were times that I felt down and sad."

Saffold credits Kelly Atkins, assistant director of Student Success in SIUE Office of Academic Advising, Retention, and Student Success, for supporting and encouraging her academically and emotionally.

"Since the moment I met Mrs. Atkins, she's been very helpful," explained Safford. "She helped me when I was having trouble adapting. She's helped me with my academics. She urged me to go to tutoring and to utilize other University resources."

"Mrs. Atkins is easy to talk to and is very encouraging," she added.

"I've always known I wanted to go to college," said Safford, who plans to be a dentist. "With that in mind, I came to SIUE hoping for the best. There have been some bumps along the way, but I'm still figuring it all out. I'm glad to be here."

This article is part of the "You Belong Here" story series, which showcases the remarkable journeys of SIUE students as they strive to achieve their academic, personal, and professional aspirations. Through this series, we aim to highlight the diverse experiences and achievements of our students, showcasing their resilience, determination, and growth.

By sharing these stories, we hope to inspire current and prospective students, as well as the wider community, to recognize that SIUE is a place where dreams can be realized. Our commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment empowers our students to flourish academically, personally, and professionally.

Photo:
SIUE Sophomore Syniah Saffold