I interviewed at Temple last week, and yes, right outside the doors of TUSoD, the reality of suffering and danger is certainly present. Yet, as was pointed out to us, these are the types of people that many applicants refer to in stating that they have a "heart of service" and have aspirations of dedicating themselves to underserved areas. It's not enough to merely have a desire to serve those in need; this desire must be accompanied with courage to overcome unique challenges and accept the risk danger, all in the name of tangibly showing love to others. As I have learned from volunteering overseas and in a downtown shelter care clinic, many times the underserved areas are not only filled with suffering, but inseparably present is danger-even the risk of losing one's life.
To the suggestion that TUSoD should move to a nicer area...
Com'on guys, most of us grew up in nice areas and will migrate right back towards that comfortable setting upon graduation. TUSoD has stayed where it is- in the heart of unquenchable need- for all the right reasons. Perhaps some of us would benefit in character and humility by removing ourselves from our comfort zones long enough to realize what unbelievable hardships some people face. Going to school in one of the "scariest parts in the nation" may in the end make us better dentists. Ultimately, those of us that get accepted to and attend TUSoD will depart with a deep appreciation and concern for the ever-present human need that is so easily cast aside by others in the name of fear and intimidation.
