This wasn't a decision that was made lightly; I know most of you are probably a little bit shocked because of how adamant I was that I was moving back to Arizona. I have been talking with my parents since coming home, slightly bemoaning the fact that if I went back down to the states I would be doing an unpaid internship (I really should complain about that, I know...but). So I talked with my mom and said that I was interested in applying at a local Orthodontist office (the same one I went to when I had braces) because they had expressed an interest in hiring me the previous summer. However I wasn't sure if I really wanted to live in -40 or colder...aka I wasn't sure I wanted to commit to living in Alaska for a permanent job. So I began to pray and fast, I even expressed my concerns to my Branch President and asked him for a blessing to help. After praying and fasting, I had come to the decision that Alaska was/is where I am supposed to be right now. I went in and submitted my application at Dr. Wentz's office and I waited...and I waited...and I waited. They had told me that it would probably be a few weeks before they got back to me as Dr. Wentz was out of town, but that they were excited with the prospect of hiring me.
Three weeks later, I still hadn't heard anything from the Orthodontic office. I was beginning to doubt that I had made the right decision in staying in Alaska. I wasn't quite sure what to do, but I figured if it was meant to work out, the Lord would provide a way. And boy did He!
I had a wisdom teeth consultation scheduled last week; I called in the day before asking for the time of my appointment and chatted with the lady for a few minutes, getting details of what I would need for the appointment, etc. The next morning, however we had some crap hit the fan and I was needed to drive a group to Denali...normally this wouldn't be an issue except I had my appointment at the exact same time I was supposed to be leaving Fairbanks! I called in before the office opened, asking if there was any chance they happened to have an opening earlier in the morning. They called me back as soon as the office opened, I explained the situation, and the lady was so nice and told me to come in at 10 AM because she thought there would be an opening for me. So I scrambled over to the appointment, walked in and checked in at the desk. The ladies there were oohing and ahhing over my Minnie Mouse bow (I wear it with a sock bun almost every day) and saying that I looked adorable, especially considering I had been up since 3 AM. They gave me the necessary paperwork and I went and sat down to fill it out.
When I was done filling out the paperwork, I went back up to the window to give it to the lady (I'm so bad with names...I have completely spaced on hers). She looked over everything and then asked me if the job I had listed was a seasonal position, I replied that it was indeed, however that I was waiting to hear back from Dr. Wentz to see if he was going to offer me a position. She kind of perked up when I said this, so I told her that I had just completed my Dental Assisting Certificate, and then joking threw in there "Hey are you hiring? Haha just kidding." To which she replied with, "Well actually we are...and you would be perfect for the job!" I looked at her in shock and she told me to have a seat while she went and spoke with their hiring manager. I ended up interviewing for the position and then went in to see the doctor for my consultation. I walked out of the office with my Wisdom Teeth extraction scheduled and a job application with the request that I return it filled out and with my resume the following day.
So I turned in my application, complete with cover letter, resume, letter of recommendation, and a copy of my certificate in a folder. When I dropped it off the next morning, all of the ladies were so excited to see me and said they hoped I would get the job. This morning I received a phone call from the hiring manager, asking a few more questions and then said that after checking my references and getting glowing reports (Thank you so much everyone for that) she wanted to offer me the position. I immediately accepted it and we discussed the hiring date, process, etc.
I am thrilled beyond belief to finally be starting my career. I am sad to be saying good-bye to HAP Alaska-Yukon (I may go back part time next summer, but as you all know, anything can happen in a short space of time), however I know that I am doing what I need to be doing. I am so grateful for the support from my family and friends as I was going through school, and I am grateful for their continued support through this decision making process. I also want to say thanks to everyone at HAP Alaska-Yukon for all of your help and keeping me motivated, I have learned so many skills because of this company.
I hope you are all having a wonderful week!
Lots of love,
Ashlyn
