50-year-old starts dental school 30 years after first being rejected
“30 years of wanting to do something. Just, it was like this huge weight came off of me. It was one of the most freeing days I’ve ever had.”
IOWA CITY, Iowa (KCRG) - John Pace always wanted to be a dentist. But after being rejected from dental school decades ago, he put that dream aside, instead working in AI and Data Sciences for over ten years.
“Really, the main thing was I’m not getting any younger. I wasn’t happy in the career that I was in, and it was going to be time to make a change anyways, and this is really been the thing I wanted to do for so long. Let’s do it.” he said.
Having completed his undergrad degree in the 1990s, it took some effort to get back on track.
But after 2 years of studying and interviewing, he finally got the admissions letter he’d spent his whole life waiting for.
“30 years of wanting to do something. Just, it was like this huge weight came off of me. It was one of the most freeing days I’ve ever had.” Pace said.
And after receiving his white coat on Friday, his family says they couldn’t be prouder.
“I am so incredibly proud of him. I’ve always been proud of him, but even more so now,” said Jana Doyle, John’s daughter. “He has been nothing but a rock and support to not only me but to our entire family and I know he’s going to do amazing at this.”
As for Pace, he’s still in a bit of shock over the fact that he’s finally making his dream a reality.
But he says if there’s one thing he hopes people get from his story, it’s that if he can do it, others can, too.
“It doesn’t matter how old you are; follow your dream. You can do it.” said Pace.
He plans to document his journey to becoming a dentist online, too. He can be found on YouTube and Instagram under the name @DrDadTheDentist.
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