Member Monday - Morgan Quarles, Class of 2021

School is back in session which means it’s time for another Member Monday!

Finding a part time job as a pre-dental student that is enjoyable, involves dentistry, and has a good paycheck is just about impossible. Morgan Quarles, however, was able to find a job during undergrad that was both fun and that had many skills that would soon transfer over to dental school. Morgan, a D2 from Naples, Florida, worked as a nail technician while she attended college at Nova Southeastern University. “I had always enjoyed doing my nails and other’s nails for as long as I can remember,” says Morgan. “In high school, a volleyball coach of mine suggested I go to nail school so that I’d have a fun job in college. I did so and I ended up making over $2,000 in college doing it on the side! I didn’t have time to have a serious job during school but I worked at a fancy spa at a beach hotel during the summers and I loved it!”

An example of Morgan's manicure skills!

Being a nail technician is certainly a unique part time job to have during undergrad. While most of us were waiting tables or tending bars, Morgan was making acrylic art. Morgan says her favorite part about the job was the “satisfaction I felt after transforming a simple un-manicured hand into something beautiful, manicured, and clean. I also really enjoy talking to people and you basically do that the entire time while working.”

We may not realize it but many of the skills required to be a nail technician are skills that can be helpful in dental school. Have you ever walked by PCD and thought “what are they doing, painting nails in there?” That’s the smell of acrylic in the morning! According to Morgan “It’s crazy how much transfers over! Attention to fine detail, perfectionism, and using a drill all transfer over into my clinical skills in PCD. I didn’t know it at the time, but throughout my experience with nails, I’ve acquired a lot of skills that have helped me in dentistry.”

Of course, there isn’t much time to work part time as a nail technician in dental school. However, Morgan says she still finds time to do her own nails when she can. “I find it relaxing and I seriously feel restored having a pretty manicure.” When asked what other activities she likes to do in her spare time, Morgan says, “I also unwind by hanging out with my friends and planning fun things to do that do not revolve around studying and other school activities. It’s important for me to carve out my time wisely to do things that remind me I am a person and a friend and not just a dental student! I make “me-time” a priority as well. I don’t think I’d be as successful of a dental student if I didn’t.”

Well, I think it’s safe to say we all know who to contact if we ever want a free manicure! Have a great week everyone!

Author: Kelsey Gwin, Class of 2021

Morgan and fellow D2 friends floating down the Cahaba River!