Today we’d like to introduce you to Alina Garciamendez-Rowold.
Alina, before we jump into specific questions about your practice, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
When I was younger, I had aspirations of being a professional soccer player and a pediatric dentist. I grew up surrounded by soccer. Both of my brothers and I played soccer year-round on competitive teams. My mother is a pediatric dentist. Every summer, she would have us come volunteer our time to help her and her staff around the office. When I was I was in high school, I started working (and getting paid) at my mom’s office from 10-5. She would make sure I went to my soccer practice from 7-9 am, and then head to her office to work. The reason why we had soccer practice so early during summer in high school was that it gets to be 100+ degrees in Texas. During these years, I was able to physically see the impact my mother was making on the people around her – staff and patients. Her staff members came to work happy, and her patients would all give her a big hug. This was when I realized I not only wanted to be a pediatric dentist, but I wanted to be just like my mother. I wanted to change people’s lives for the better.
In college, I played division 1 soccer and majored in Biology. During my junior year, I applied for dental school. I was accepted into Texas A&M College of Dentistry. However, I still wanted to play professional soccer, and I knew I wouldn’t have been satisfied until I at least tried. I spoke with the admissions staff at the college of dentistry who graciously allowed me to defer my enrollment for one year. I had the opportunity to play for the FFC Frankfurt Women’s football team right after graduating from college. I was living my dream of becoming a professional athlete. After one year of playing abroad, I came back to Dallas, TX to begin my studies in dentistry. I graduated from dental school in 2018. I still wanted to become a pediatric dentist like my mother, so I had applied for pediatric dentistry before graduation. I matched at Texas A&M College of Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry program. I was super excited I could continue my aspiration of becoming a pediatric dentist.
I played soccer with the full Mexican Women’s National team from 2008-2016. I was able to play in two Women’s World Cups (2011 and 2015). I did have to miss weeks of school at a time from high school through dental school. Luckily, my professors throughout my educational career have shown great interest in me and my abilities. I would bring books, homework, and assignments with me around the world when traveling with the Mexican National team. I made sure to never get behind in any of my classes. I stopped playing in 2016 due to a knee injury. This injury is a blessing in disguise. I am now channeling all of my energy into becoming a pediatric dentist.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It has not been a smooth road. I believe I wouldn’t be the person I was today if I hadn’t come across these adversities. One of the greatest obstacles was having to travel often and missing school. During dental school, it was starting to get tough. Fortunately, during my second year, we weren’t seeing patients yet. We were constantly in the pre-clinical lab working on crowns, wax-ups of teeth, dentures, etc- just practicing and perfecting our skill. In the weeks leading up to my international trips, I would get ahead on all of my assignments/requirements. I would come in an hour before, work through lunch, and stay late all so I could demonstrate to my professors that I am capable of doing both school and soccer.
Please tell us about your practice.
I am studying to become a pediatric dentist. My passion for working with kids comes from my mother. I see her love for the profession shine through every day in the office.
Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
I would say my biggest cheerleaders are my parents. They have supported me in my soccer aspirations and schooling. They want me to succeed in both. They continually help me in more ways than I can imagine. For big international tournaments, my entire family traveled to the venues to see me play. I love them so much.
I ran into some opposition for my soccer trips during dental school, but I had several professors who were strong advocates for me. They helped me through the entire process – Dr. Amp Miller and Dr. Charles Berry. They along with other professors believed in me and wanted to see me succeed.
Contact Info:
Image Credit:
1. Fujiko Photography
2. Texas A&M College of Dentistry – Steven Crow
3. Fujiko Photography
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