Dr. Alvin had not always known that dentistry was in his future. As a child, he was smart but did not take school seriously; it was only until a mentor urged him into going to college that Alvin saw various opportunities. Alvin chose dentistry because of the promising chance be his own boss and work with his hands while maintaining a respectable income. According to Alvin, dentistry school is competitive and one must earn high marks in their science classes to be considered. His final advice states that no matter what career one chooses, to envision their own destiny and take charge.