Troy Gessner, ’10, studied chemistry and molecular biology while at Muskingum. The Canfield, Ohio native is now in his third year in The Ohio State University’s College of Dentistry. Additionally, he joined the United States Army’s Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) to help fund his postgraduate education.
Gessner chose Muskingum “because I liked the feel of the campus. It is extremely rare to find a school with such warm, engaging people and I knew I could leave Muskingum with a great education.”
Gessner didn’t know exactly what direction he wanted his future to take until just prior to his senior year of college. “I love learning about sciences and enjoyed research, but I knew that I wanted to help people on a more personal level. Aside from teaching, I feel healthcare is the best method to do so. My father is a general dentist in Youngstown, Ohio, and after observing him for a couple of days I felt that dentistry fit my personality really well. I couldn't be happier with my decision.”
Gessner is grateful for “the study habits that my teachers and close friends at Muskingum instilled in me,” also stating that “the material does not get harder after undergrad, it is simply more material; but the extracurricular activities that I was involved with at Muskingum forced me to develop time management skills.”
Gessner feels that “the small class sizes [at Muskingum] were perfect for someone as unfocused as I was entering Muskingum,” allowing him to get to know his professors and other students.
For college students trying to decide what they should do after graduation, Gesnner advises, “Take time to smell the roses. Your days at Muskingum are numbered. Don't rush the process and enjoy the here and now. I know that is easier said than done, but trust me, time flies. As for your “next step,” make sure to choose wisely...and pray about it. Choose a field that will make you happy day in and day out. I've been learning year round about teeth and medicine for two years and I can't wait to learn more...and someday, get to put this knowledge to good use and help improve the health of others.”