Hou builds CDE workshop as part of PLLC leadership experience

Second-year dentistry student Tasha Hou is not one to back down from a challenge. In fact, being challenged is the only way she prefers it. That's why alongside the rigors and demands of dental school, Hou is completing her Certificate in Interdisciplinary Leadership Studies at the Peter Lougheed Leadership College (PLLC).

"We can only grow when we challenge ourselves," says Hou. "Leadership is a good trait for everyone to have. The reason I applied to the college was to build my leadership skills and step out of my comfort zone. So far, it's been a great experience for me to learn more about the world around me and network with people outside of dentistry."

The certificate is a two-year program designed to be completed in conjunction with an undergraduate degree. As a part of the program, students are expected to complete a total of 12 course credits, a number of short workshops, a summer Stretch Experience and a final capstone project.

A major component of the PLLC certificate is to push your boundaries and stretch your experience says Hou. Therefore, the "Stretch Experience" - an intensive 200-hour student-designed project that puts their leadership skills in to practice - is next to none.

For her Stretch Experience, Hou is leading and organizing the Women in Dentistry and Mentorship Conference and Workshop being held on October 27. The project will create an opportunity for dental students to directly network with female mentors in the field, and for dentists to mentor students. The continuing education course is open to all dental students and dentists.

"It is important for us to have these kind of groups in order to discuss how to navigate through our careers as women," says Hou.

Hou's ultimate goal of this workshop would be to have it serve as a launching platform to build a mentorship program. She says she's thankful for mentors like dentistry professor Steven Patterson for helping her throughout the project.

"After listening to the panel of speakers, I want the student to have a more diverse understanding of the different areas in dentistry," says Hou, adding other topics of discussion would include owning a practice, other career paths available in dentistry and hopefully expanding everyone's network circle. "By putting myself out there I have built a lot of confidence. I want to be a role model and be a good example for anyone who wants to achieve a dream and do what they've always wanted to."

Hou's workshop is being funded by the Edmonton Community Young Edmonton Grant.