Smiles, Strength, and Second Chances: Kaylin’s Path to Dental Hygiene
Kaylin always knew she wanted to work in dental hygiene. Even in high school, her interest in oral health stood out, and she enrolled in Dual Credit courses to get a head start on her journey. She was drawn to the science, the service, and most of all, the ability to help people feel better about themselves. For Kaylin, it wasn’t just about teeth; it was about confidence.
I just wanted to help people feel confident in their smiles. ICC has helped me build the foundation to do that.
Kaylin, ICC Student
That early connection to ICC led her to become a full-time student to complete her general education courses while she applied to the Dental Hygiene program. She felt at home right away and was excited to turn her lifelong interest into a meaningful career.
In late 2024, Kaylin was involved in a devastating car accident that resulted in a traumatic brain injury and significant memory loss. She temporarily lost the ability to walk or speak clearly, and the goals she had worked so hard toward suddenly felt out of reach. Recovery meant retraining her brain, rebuilding routines, and finding the courage to try again.
“I had to take it one day at a time, but I never lost sight of my goal,” she said.
With the support of her family and her care team, Kaylin worked through months of therapy. When she felt ready, she made the courageous decision to return to ICC, back to her classes and the volleyball court, with renewed determination and strength.
The comeback wasn’t easy, but she never felt alone. Counseling Services helped her stay emotionally grounded, while her coach and advisor, Tracy Heffren, provided constant encouragement. Tracy’s “next ball” mindset became a guiding philosophy during Kaylin’s comeback.
“She’s ingrained it in our brains,” Kaylin said. “If I finish physical therapy, what’s the next thing? How can I get back to school, back on the court? What’s next?”
Today, Kaylin is once again moving forward with clarity and purpose. Her experience has given her a deeper understanding of what it means to care for others, especially those facing unseen challenges. She’s determined to become the kind of hygienist who shows up with both skill and empathy because she knows firsthand how much that matters.
“I want to help people feel better about themselves one smile at a time.”