Ruhan

A smile can be an extremely powerful tool. It can open doors, forge connections, and create a sense of self-assurance that radiates from within. For me, my smile was something I once hesitated to show, and before middle school, I was self-conscious about my teeth, often covering my mouth when I laughed or spoke in front of others. That changed when I started my journey with Invisalign. What began as a treatment to straighten my teeth became a transformative experience that shaped my confidence, leadership, and interest in medicine.

In 8th grade, I was elected school president, which excited my drive to contribute to my school community... but often, I felt uncomfortable speaking in front of others. As my orthodontic treatment progressed, however, my confidence grew. I became more comfortable engaging with people and delivering speeches. That shift allowed me to approach leadership with greater energy and authenticity, and it made me realize how much self-perception can influence how we show up in the world. The newfound confidence allowed me to tackle the school’s grading policy, changing the system after convincing the BOE. In high school, I served as class/school president every year and later became Vice President of the New Jersey Association of Student Councils, which allowed me to collaborate with student leaders from across the Garden State to build the leaders of tomorrow.

Beyond building confidence, my Invisalign experience deepened my compassion for others. I understood how it felt to be uncomfortable in my own skin, but as I became more self-assured, I wanted to help others feel the same. I smiled more, not just out of pride, but to help others feel welcomed and seen. Whether encouraging a nervous classmate or being a kind presence in the hallway, I found joy in supporting those around me. The smallest gestures, I learned, can create the biggest impact, and this desire to uplift others led me to take action beyond school. In 2021, I founded “Ruhan’s Rally,” an annual food drive supporting local organizations in need. Using the leadership and networking skills I had developed, I organized the event to unite my community and fight food insecurity by raising $1,000 and assembling 250 bags of food for others. Since its creation, the drive has grown each year, and I was honored to be featured on 6 abc News’ “Hometown Heroes” and in South Jersey Magazine, along with receiving a Proclamation from the NJ Senate and House and a Certificate of Congressional Recognition. Channeling the compassion I learned after undergoing orthodontic treatment, it allowed me to make a difference in my community and warms my heart.

Most meaningfully, this experience sparked my interest in medicine. I had always been curious about healing, but my orthodontists at Morone, Kaye, and Yucha showed me the true impact of healthcare. They did more than straighten my teeth; they helped me build confidence and made me feel understood. Their ability to connect with patients inspired me to pursue a similar path, and they helped me see how healthcare is not just about science but about relationships, trust, and empathy. As I prepare to study neuroscience on the pre-med track at the University of Pennsylvania, I carry the lessons and values shaped by this experience. Invisalign was more than a cosmetic change. It was a defining moment in my life that helped me discover my confidence, drive to act with compassion, and ignition to dream with purpose. I hope to use these lessons to guide my journey in medicine and to give others the same sense of confidence and care that I received.