Meet Angela Kosmo, one of Ross’ Lead Dental Assisting Instructors!
Three lessons you’ve learned-
1. Personally I have learned to not take time for granted and to do whatever it is that makes you happy. A small back story to this is I was diagnosed with Invasive Breast Cancer a couple of years ago. I was 42 at the time and had a 5 year old son. Prior to my diagnosis, I think I took time for granted. I now realize just how precious it is. I also make sure I fully enjoy life everyday, no matter what challenges I may encounter. Each day I allow myself to laugh and I try to have a positive outlook on everything.
2. Professionally, I have learned that being teachable even after all of these years in my field is one of the most important qualities one can have.
3. Personally and professionally, I have learned that being open and willing to grow from mistakes is key in life.
Three tips on how to succeed in the medical field –
1. Have compassion and empathy for others
2. Be willing to listen and learn
3. Have a positive outlook
A few things you wish you knew before going into the medical field –
I wish someone would have told me about the hurdles that they had to overcome. Oftentimes, you just hear of the victories, but I think the hurdles are important too. There are lessons to be learned there. In my opinion it’s beneficial to know all of the facts, good and bad. When I tell others about this career, I tell them that it’s a great field to be in, but I will also let them know that there will be bumps in the road.
What do you do at Ross and how long have you been here?
I am a Lead Dental Assisting Instructor and Full Time Faculty. I have been with Ross for seven years.
Fun fact about you –
I am a huge prankster and jokester. I love to laugh and even more so love to make others laugh. I’m witty, at least I think so. I would do stand up comedy if I had the chance.
Memorable moment –
I know this may be an odd one but looking back it was a beautiful moment. As I was going through my chemo treatments, I became very ill and night time was the worst. My 5 year old son would not go back to bed if I was up sick, he would sit in the hallway until I was well enough to lay back down. I would assure him I was fine but he insisted on waiting. I felt horrible as a mother during that time, being so sick and feeling like he wasn’t getting the attention that he deserved. Now I realize how truly blessed I am, I have raised him to have compassion and truly feel for others.
Advice for students –
For the current and future students, I would like you to know what an amazing career this is. It’s rewarding and exciting. You get to experience something new everyday. I always say if it was not a great career I would not still be in it 27 years later. I had mentors along the way and I love that I can now be that for you. I want you to succeed and I am here to help you make that happen.