my story
Sydney Pla is a high school senior in Miami with a clear ambition: to become a pediatric dentist. Through shadowing, leadership, and the creation of her children’s book, she has begun exploring how empathy can transform a child’s experience with healthcare.
A future shaped by curiosity, care & communication.
sydney pla
My Purpose
Sydney’s interest in pediatric dentistry grew through real experiences inside dental practices, where she saw firsthand how much a child’s emotions can shape their experience. She became especially drawn to the combination of healthcare, communication, psychology, and compassion required to make children feel comfortable and understood.
Her goal is to pursue dentistry and ultimately specialize in pediatric dentistry.
A defining experience
While shadowing at a pediatric dental practice, Sydney watched a young girl become frightened in the dental chair and begin to cry. Rather than simply observing, Sydney decided to help. She inflated a dental glove, added a sticker, and began talking with the girl about the animals she loved. She danced with her, distracted her, and helped turn an intimidating moment into something playful and familiar. The child became calm enough for the dentist to complete the cleaning.
“I realized that sometimes making a child feel safe can be just as important as the procedure itself.”
— Sydney’s personal reflection
Author Project
One experience sparked another idea. Seeing how fear can shape a child’s experience at the dentist inspired Sydney to think beyond the dental office. How could children begin overcoming that anxiety before they ever sat in the chair? That question became a creative project: Sunny the Seahorse Goes to the Dentist.
“Being brave doesn’t mean you’re not scared. It means you try anyway.”
Children’s Health · Dental Anxiety · Storytelling · Empathy
Buy on Amazon
Education
Building the foundation for what’s next.
Our Lady of Lourdes Academy
Miami, Florida
High School Senior
Sydney sees her undergraduate education as the next step in a much longer journey toward dentistry — an opportunity to strengthen her scientific foundation, continue serving others, explore healthcare, and grow as a leader.
Photo Story
A story in motion.
A future shaped by care
Learning through observation
Turning an idea into impact
Contact with Sydney
Sydney Pla
The Next Chapter
Sydney hopes to continue learning, serving, and exploring the intersection of science, communication and compassionate care as she takes the next step toward a future in pediatric dentistry.
One day, she hopes to help children leave the dentist the same way Sunny did — smiling.
Contact with Sydney