01/11/2025
My Journey
Embarking on a four-year Master’s degree in my mid-fifties was nothing short of a challenge—an understatement, to say the least. There were many moments when I wanted to give up entirely. Halfway through the course, Covid hit, and I decided to take a year out, and temporarily return to my previous career in dentistry. The familiarity of the dental profession rekindled my self-confidence, and I felt safe and secure in my new role. I convinced myself that I was content to stay in my comfort zone, and decided to leave university behind.
I had been praying for guidance during that difficult decision, and just a week into my new job, I received my answer. A clinic tutor came in for his dental appointment, and I just happened to be at reception. When I told him I wasn’t planning to return to university, he smiled and said, “Before you make up your mind, why not come to clinic for one session and see how you feel?”
At that moment, I didn’t need to—I already knew deep down that I had to go back and finish what I had started.
And so, I did. It was tough. I cried—streams, rivers, oceans. Countless late nights spent studying into the early hours, all while navigating family challenges, processing my ADHD diagnosis, and coping with hearing loss, which was making it difficult to.keep up in lectures. It took a real toll on both my mental and physical health.
Through it all, my husband and children were my foundation. Their unwavering love, encouragement, humour, and belief in me kept me going when I couldn’t see the finish line.
Recently, a memory popped up on my phone—a video of a special moment. My daughter had given me a notebook with a heartfelt message written inside:
“To Mum, all the studying will be worth it in the end. Love you lots, you can do it! ###”
Well, Shari Apps, I did it! 💖
They say, “Behind every great man is a great woman.” I say, “Behind every successful graduate is a loyal, loving, supportive—and at times, long-suffering—husband and family.”
As a student, the journey often felt like it was all about me. But one of the first things I wrote in that notebook was my vision:
“Less about me, and more about the difference I want to make.”
Ever since I was a little girl, my dream has been to help people heal. In August 2023, that dream became a reality. Every day since, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to make a difference in people’s lives. My patients are wonderful—many of them feel more like friends. In fact, I like to think, “A new patient is just a friend you haven’t met yet.”
I am deeply grateful to everyone who supported me along the way—the ones who encouraged me, picked me up when I fell, and helped me through the blood, sweat, and tears. And to my amazing patients who continue to place their trust in me—thank you, from the bottom of my heart. 🙏💖✨
