Elizabeth Jewell Shines – and Inspires Others to Make Their Way Through Life the Way They Want To

Miriam Webster Dictionary’s first definition of the word jewel is “a precious gem.” It also means “one that is highly esteemed.”  Elizabeth Ashley Jewell prefers to be called by her last name to those who know her well; she lives up to it in many ways. In her studies at San Joaquin Valley College’s Dental Hygiene program, which she began in November 2022, Jewell is known as a natural leader in her class, inspiring others in a very positive and encouraging manner.

Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Jewell still has close family there, the kind of family members who helped while she worked a full-time job, went to school, and raised two children at the same time. Big Mama, her grandmother and namesake (Elizabeth), not only helped, but always supported Elizabeth’s decision, as a black woman, to marry a white woman in an area of the south that was not so tolerant. She taught her to be brave and to speak out about what she believed in. When the Navy re-assigned her wife to Lemoore, California, they moved their family west and settled in Visalia, without the support from Jewell’s family to keep things running smoothly. Nevertheless, Jewell has met the challenge on so many levels, enrolling in the SJVC Dental Hygiene program in November 2022, finding her own way to encourage herself every day, to continue to look forward, to be present for her family, to always speak up and be heard, to lead and inspire.

How did you decide on Dental Hygiene as a career?

I had my first child at such a young age. I had worked retail hours and it just didn’t allow me to be the parent I wanted to be. I always loved helping people; but I never wanted to be a nurse. I knew I wanted to be something in the medical field. So, I took some online tests to figure out what would be a good route for me. When I learned about Dental Assisting, I realized it felt familiar because I had so much dental work when I was younger to get the smile I have! The work hours were flexible so I knew I could be a better mom, too. Once I got into the field, I knew it was where I was meant to be.

Before I married, I was a Dental Assistant in Kentucky. A DA/”EDDA” – that’s short for “Expanded Duties Dental Assistant.” I was able to place filling restorations, make temporary crowns, perform polishing and assist the dentist. I worked full time while in college and raising two kids.

What are the challenges for you of going to school and having a family?

It takes a lot of time management and self-sacrifice. It would be different if I were going through this back home because I had support from the rest of my family. Now my wife works full time too. So that Friday night or Saturday morning I don’t have the time to catch up to myself; I must constantly be a wife and mother too.

What keeps you going? How do you stay focused?

You keep looking forward. You don’t go back. I know what it was like raising a child when I was young and living check to check. I was raised well and I know my life is my responsibility. So, I put post-it notes up everywhere that remind me I’m doing this for my family. I want to give more and to be there for them. Sometimes, as a way to motivate me, I’ll look up my dream car or some material things to give me a goal. But what really motivates me is to be able to give my time to my children and family. To really be present. Most of the good things I remember about my childhood were good because my parents were there, not because they bought this or that but because they showed up to the ball game or the recital.

I’m told you are a natural leader in the class. Where do you think that comes from?

It came from being raised by my brave Big Mama, my grandmother. She was always outspoken and did what she believed in. I learned from her. When my wife and I got together she supported it, she had my back and it helped me to speak out and lead. The way black women are seen is different here than in Kentucky.  It felt good to be with a white woman that supported my blackness so I could speak up, and to feel confident when I did. Here, I can bring a small piece of myself into the classroom too. I think a lot has to do with my east coast background, and I speak up more in general. Being comfortable about it also came from my wife.

Where do you see yourself in five years? Ten years?

Working for myself as an independent hygienist as an RDHAP (Registered Dental Hygienist in Alternative Practice.) There’s a way you can work for yourself in your own office via Telehealth, an organization where I can be my own boss without having to take the full responsibility of an entrepreneur. I aspire to establish a dental health care facility in Kentucky, catering to the needs of the LGBTQ+ community, minority populations, and individuals who may not conform to traditional professional norms, all while maintaining my independence. – I understand the specific needs of that community and I want to make it a safe place for ALL.

Do you have anything to say to potential students reading this article? What words of wisdom can you give them from your own experience?

I would tell them you can thrive within SJVC’s Dental Hygiene program without previous experience in the dental field as a dental assistant or front desk help. So don’t turn it down because you think it’s too hard. Yes, you’ll have to put a little more work into it, and it’s a heavy load at the beginning. But it’s very possible to do and do not let it scare you away. Once you are accepted into the Dental Hygiene program, do not get fixated on the grades if they are not exactly the same from your prerequisites or not what you expected. What I can say is, as long as you are grasping the information within the classroom and clinic, passing the National boards is the ultimate “final exam” to pass and become a Registered Dental Hygienist. SJVC will help support you all the way through!