Sania Pullen
Undergraduate pre-dental hygiene student
Striving & Thriving at VCU talks to Sania about her interest in pursing a dental hygiene career, her inspirations, why she chose to complete her studies at VCU, and more.
What is your major and why did you choose to come to VCU to study?
My major is pre-dental hygiene. I came to VCU for my major because it's one of the best in the Eastern Shore. I'm from Maryland so I was very passionate about staying within the area. I heard that VCU had a lot of diversity and I wanted to experience that.
What are you passionate about?
I'm passionate about family, equality, and justice. I'm also passionate about friends and having a good community where you're able to talk and express yourself and not be afraid of being yourself in front of different people.
What interested you in the STEM career path major that you chose?
I do not have many family members or friends currently working in STEM fields. So, I wanted to start off with being the very first out of my siblings in my family. I'm very passionate about my interests so I want to inspire not only others but my little brothers and just say that you can start off with nothing and become something.
What does it mean to you to be a minoritized student in STEM?
It means a lot to me because I didn't get a chance to experience many things in high school where it was a majority White students. This college experience has definitely inspired me to be different and not be afraid to try something new and go out and show the world that minoritized individuals can do big things as well.
1) What clubs and organizations are you involved in?
I am in African Student Club, Dental Club, and SGA.
2) What's your favorite study spot on campus?
Either the library or my dorm
3) What career are you interested in pursuing after you graduate?
Dental hygiene
4) How would you describe living in Richmond?
I would describe it as very busy and hectic, but also very fun.
5) Describe yourself in three words.
Fun, loving, and crazy.
6) What is your favorite holiday?
Christmas
7) Who do you respect and admire the most?
My mentor and my mom.
8) What is the most rewarding thing about being in STEM?
The fact that I am the very first female in my family to do it and I'm doing great so far.
9) What is something you never thought you would see yourself doing?
Making a lot of friends on campus.
10) What do you do with the first 30 minutes of your day?
I get out of bed, brush my teeth, and then make breakfast.
11) What is your favorite thing to do after an exam?
Sleep
12) What is your favorite ice cream flavor?
Cookies and cream
13) What is your Zodiac sign?
Capricorn
14) What is your favorite movie?
The Rescuers
15) What is your favorite place in Richmond?
Monroe Park
16) Cooking or baking?
Cooking
17) What is your favorite season?
Winter
18) What is a place you want to travel to?
Italy
19) What is your go to coffee shop order?
Medium french vanilla oat milk latte
20) What is your favorite dish?
Spaghetti
21) What is your guilty pleasure?
Netflix
22) Sweet or salty?
Sweet
23) What influenced you to choose a career in STEM?
It needs more underrepresented students. It needs more diversity and inclusion.
24) If you could major in a non-STEM major, what would it be?
Education
25) Who is your favorite professor?
Dr. Kuklinski, my chemistry professor. Please give me an A!
