"You are going to do great things" An encouraging message from Dr. Alma Correia to Apopka students

“You’re braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”

-- Christopher Robin (Winnie-the-Pooh)

Hello students!

Wow, how fast the summer flew by. I am so excited that you are starting off the new school year, and I wanted to send you a message wishing you the very best. I can remember back to being a student and the start of the school year. The nerves, the excitement, the anticipation of seeing all my friends after being away for several weeks, all made for a jumble of emotions.

You too may be feeling similar things!

For me, the most exciting part of the start of the year was getting all of my school supplies. My particular favorites were bright highlighters, gel ink pens, and index cards. Yes, it’s true, I actually enjoyed school. Although it could be challenging at times, I loved the feeling of accomplishing something once a test or exam was completed. Almost like I just “passed” another level in a video game. It was such a rewarding feeling to work hard at something and to see it all pay off in the end.

Now, I would like to offer a few words of encouragement and share some of my tips on how to have a great year:

Despite whatever you may feel, try to focus on the positives. Being an optimistic (glass half full) type of person has helped me overcome challenging obstacles in my life. I have found that focusing on the negatives just makes me feel worse, so I changed my perspective, and it made a huge difference.

If you feel like you are falling behind or are struggling in any area of school/work/life in general, be sure to seek out the people around you that can help.

Work hard now! You are developing the study skills, time management skills, communication skills, etc. that will help you in years to come.

You can accomplish whatever you put your mind to. You can be whatever you dream. Nothing is impossible.

Have fun! Take moments to care for yourself and to do things that you enjoy. After a busy week, my favorite things to do are spending time with my family, going kayaking, or having friends over for a “games night”.

You are going to do great things this year! Again, I wish you all the very best!

"Dr. Alma" is a board certified dentist who graduated Magna Cum Laude from Tufts University where she double majored in Child Development and Community Health. Besides dentistry, she has also been a counselor in a residential children’s home, worked as a nurse’s aid in an emergency room, and was a dentist assistant. All these skills and her love for working with children and youth, led her to Baptiste Dentistry for Kids in Apopka.