Future Studies

Postgraduate course

Periodontics

Although I still have a long way to go to finish my degree, there is a postgraduate course that I find very interesting and that is periodontics. Periodontics is a specialty of dentistry that lasts for 3 years at the University of Chile, and is dedicated to both preventive and curative treatment of the supporting tissues of the teeth, such as the gums, bone, periodontal ligaments and periodontium. These can become inflamed from various causes, such as poor brushing and oral hygiene techniques and abnormal deposits of tartar on the surface of the teeth. I would like to do this course because it teaches us what is necessary to treat diseases such as gingivitis or periodontitis, which are classified among the most common conditions of people.

The subject that I would most like to do is "biological foundations of periodontology and oral implantology", I think it is the basis of all periodontal problems and microscopic life seems wonderful to me.

I would like to study in Chile, basically for comfort (maybe I'll change my mind in the future) and to be close to my family. Also, I would like to study the course part-time as I want to work as a general dentist in a hospital to have experience, so I would like certain topics to be online, which are all theory. However, I don't think that's the case, as it takes practice.

I believe that the most important thing is that people have all their healthy teeth and with the help of periodontists they can achieve it, I would like to inform and motivate people about the use of the different methods of control of bacterial plaque, with the aim to prevent the appearance of gum diseases, and avoid tooth loss. :)

My future job

 

My future job

From a very young age, I have really liked everything related to health sciences, that is why I am now studying dentistry and that is what I want to dedicate myself to for the rest of my life. I like the idea of ​​being able to help people, with something as important as the smile, either for aesthetics or health. I would also like to help maintain a healthy mouth, because the mouth is in charge of many functions (chewing, phonetics, taste, etc.), and even improving people's self-esteem and attitude. I would like to work inside, in a public hospital, because it is a perfect place to develop my skills and knowledge, in addition to seeing many different cases and realities. However, after a while I would like to be part of a clinic, this way I will earn more money. The salary of a dentist is high (a little over a million), it will also depend on where and how much work is done, but it must be taken into consideration that the materials used by dentists are very expensive.

I would like to travel a lot with this job, either to seminars or internships to other regions of the country or abroad, but it may not be possible due to the schedules.

If we talk about specialties, the truth is that I still do not know what I would like, I feel that I have a long way to go to make such an important decision.

I am looking forward to passing this degree, I imagine it must be exciting and entertaining to meet people and help them in any way possible.

Why am I a vegetarian?

 Why am I a vegetarian?

As many of you know, being a vegetarian consists of a diet that does not include any type of meat. It is a diet composed mainly of plants. However, I do eat eggs, honey and a little dairy (for now, I plan to stop eating them). Being a vegetarian was a very long process, mainly because a lot of meat was consumed in my home, it took me several years to adapt to a meat-free diet, but I finally managed it, I have been a vegetarian for 2 years and I feel very happy about it. In addition, I managed to reduce meat consumption by 85% at home. When I started with the idea of being a vegetarian it was at 16 years old and I did it mainly because it is a very healthy diet. Meat increases the risk of certain diseases, forms poisons, and contains hormones, antibiotics and other medications that are given to animals on farms. As time went by, I realized that being a vegetarian is having respect for the environment and for animals, and I think this is the most important thing since in our hands is the power to protect them. I want to be part of those people who have the energy of dignity and non-violence in the world.

Today I feel great, healthier and more energetic.

Meditation benefits

 Meditation benefits

In its essence, meditation is a mental exercise with which, through attention, we train our mind to bring it to a state of peace, calm and inner serenity, which has been practiced for thousands of years.

Although its main objective is to become aware of our own inner being, through meditation we obtain multiple advantages that lead us to obtain greater well-being and a better quality of life.

Meditation improves emotional health and increases happiness as it changes our brain for the better, giving a more positive outlook on life and having a deeper understanding of ourselves. This practice helps to improve emotional intelligence, this helps us to have greater empathy and to stay rational during decisions. Meditating also relaxes us and reduces anxiety symptoms, this allows us to sleep better and improve our diet.

It also helps with things like focus, memory, and reduces stress. This last benefit is what got me interested in meditation.

As you can see, meditation helps us in many areas of our life and is one of the most effective ways to happiness.

The best holiday

THE BEST HOLIDAY

BRAZIl

The best vacation I've ever had was when I traveled to Brazil in the summer of 2017. My dad, his girlfriend, and I took that trip. We spent 3 weeks in Brazil visiting different places, such as the cities of Sao Paulo, Rio and Copacabana. In Rio we visited the Christ the Redeemer and the Sugar Loaf, which surprised me a lot, a marvel. We also visit the Selarón staircase, which was built by a Chilean. We also went to the Maracana stadium and visited various churches. One of the days there was a tropical storm and it was an amazing phenomenon.

In Copacabana we stayed longer, took boat trips and visited different islands and beaches. The beaches are magnificent, swimming there is like being in a big hot pool. I did scuba diving and saw various corals and exotic fish. We drank caipirinhas and ate many fruits from Brazil and I fell in love with the açaí fruit, which was sold everywhere. 

I think it was the best trip because I did many activities that I had never done before, I saw free animals (like monkeys and toucans), that I had never seen outside of a zoo, and because the landscapes and tourist destinations are wonderful.

A country I would like to visit

ITALIA

Today I will talk about the country that I would like to visit, Italy. Called the "Big boot" because of its shape, it has wonderful places, monuments, art,  beautiful natural landscapes, a rich culture and great stories, where the Roman Empire was alive.

One of the first places that I would like to see in this country is the Roman Coliseum, because it has a great history, and also to know the famous tower of Pisa. I would also like to know the Vatican City, its museums and the Sistine Chapel, since I believe that this place has a strong power, both religious and artistic. Another place I would like to visit is Pompeii, in Naples, which is a city buried by the ashes of a great catastrophe produced by a volcano called Mount Vesuvius, which makes it an archaeological site, full of ruins.

And finally, I would love to get to know the city on the water, Venice, and walk through its many canals, I think it would be unforgettable. I feel that it is a poetic and magical city.

A photograph and its story.

TORRES DEL PAINE

This photograph was taken during my summer vacation this year. I went to the south of Chile with my dad, my sister who is 11 years old and my little brother who is 3 years old.

We toured most of the tourist attractions in the Magallanes region, including Torres del Paine. Reaching Torres del Paine was an adventure. We had to climb many hills, it was a very long walk, it took us 5 hours one way and 6 hours back as it started to rain heavily on the way back and we had to be very careful not to fall. Also the wind was stormy.

There were parts of the route that were very complicated, since it was necessary to climb, others where the height scared me. My little brother amazed us all, because for his age he walked a lot, however, my dad carried him on his back most of the time.

It was all worth it because the scenery was beautiful, we saw foxes and drank water from springs, without a doubt a magical place.

Free topic

HONEY

I'll tell you about honey, the idea occurred to me the moment I was eating honey.

Honey is one of the natural products with the most health benefits and properties. It is used for thousands of years, either as food, to sweeten and medicinal. Honey is very energetic, since it has a high sugar content, this helps the brain to function properly. In addition, it improves the functioning of essential organs and tissues.

The therapeutic properties of honey helps to heal and prevent infections in wounds or superficial burns. Also, it is used in cosmetics as creams or face masks, thanks to its astringent, softening and moisturizing properties. It is also used to relieve cold and sore throat, since it is an excellent anti-inflammatory. 

Honey is an excellent natural preservative, which is why in ancient times the transport of human bodies was submerged in honey.

For all this, in my house honey can't miss. Oh also, it's very delicious!

My favourite piece of technology

MY FAVOURITE PIECE OF TECHNOLOGY

My favourite piece of technology is my cell phone because it is very useful, I can communicate at any time with another person who is far away, even in real time by video call and chat, shortening the distances. I can take pictures and create my own photo album, which I think is great because I love photography.

For the study it is also useful since it allows me to check emails, make files, or watch videos that my teachers send. In addition, the cell phone is very comfortable and practical, because we can carry it in our pocket, backpack or wherever. In my free time I really like to watch series and movies and my cell phone allows me to download Netflix to watch them and I can download games, like the Sims.

That's the coolest thing of all, that I can download any application for whatever I want, either music, art, sport, for the studio, anything. It is multipurpose😊

Expectations for a new semester

Expectations for a new semester

This semester I would like to learn new things about my career and practice with the instruments in simulation, that in my opinion is the most entertaining. This semester I have done more group work and that gives me the opportunity to talk with classmates I didn’t know and makes the studio a little more enjoyable.

Also, since we are in a pandemic I have the possibility to learn to use new platforms and organize my times in a different way.

Last year was my first year in the university and it was very hard, all very new and emotionally destabilizing, so this semester I would like to practice yoga, relaxation techniques or outdoor activities so as not to stress myself out as much.

I hope this semester is successful academically as well as personally.

MY AUTOBIOGRAPHY

My name is Sofia Macaya. I'm nineteen years old.  I was born on october 20, 2000 in Chile. My home is in La Ligua, but during the year I live in Santiago because I study there. I study dentistry at the university of Chile. It was the first time I lived alone, at first it was difficult but I got used to it. My parents are Claudia Alfaro and Christian Macaya. I have a very funny sister and two brothers. With my family I always have a great time and I adore them very much.

In my free time I like to read, watch series and movies on netflix, share with my friends and family. I really like to go for a walk and discover new places. I love swimming. I also love to cook sweet desserts and then eat them while having tea.