Barbaree’s winning smile
As a future contestant in the Miss Arkansas Pageant, Parkers Chapel graduate Hannah Barbaree understands the importance of a winning smile. Her future plans include becoming a dentist and helping others create that same bright, toothy grin.
Smiles don’t matter in the classroom, though. Barbaree graduated from Parkers Chapel in 2018. She will begin her junior year at the University of Arkansas in the Fall.
“I am in the pre-dental program majoring in Biology,” she said. “I recently switched from B.S. to B.A., just so I can have more flexibility when choosing electives to take. I will start applying to various dental schools next spring.”
Barbaree listed a local role model as the basis for her pursuit of a career in dentistry.
“Growing up, I always looked forward to going to the dentist because of how awesome mine was,” she said. “Dr. (Kristi) Elia always made me laugh and feel good. That’s exactly what I want to do for others, especially those who fear going to the dentist. I also just love teeth!”
Of course, there’s a lengthy road between loving teeth and actually becoming a dentist. In Barbaree’s career path, she might be traveling over the bumpy part of the road, right now.
“There have been a few times I have questioned my career path, especially when I am exhausted from studying for organic chemistry or biology exams for weeks at a time to maintain my GPA,” she said. “In high school I struggled with my basic science courses. I just didn’t ‘get it.’”
“Majoring in Biology was a challenge I decided to take on, and there have been many times where giving up crossed my mind. But I refuse. I refuse to give up on achieving my goal of becoming a dentist. I was born to serve using my God-given talents, and no chemistry class can keep me from doing that. I know I am on the right path, because of all the times I’ve been knocked down, I have bounced back stronger than ever. I am determined to be successful.”
And, as if becoming a dentist wasn’t difficult enough, Barbaree also hopes to become Miss Arkansas. The competition was scheduled for next month but has been postponed a year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
For Barbaree, who won the title of Miss Southeast Arkansas in January, pursuing both of her dreams is sort of a labor of love.
“Competing in the Miss Arkansas system is definitely time consuming, but having a title is truly a job that I take pride in,” she said. “I always put my studies first, but I am able to incorporate my social impact initiative on campus through my involvement with the Volunteer Action Center, as well with my sorority Pi Beta Phi. For example, Pi Phi provided me with the opportunity to visit a local elementary school once a week for a month to read to various classes and to promote the importance of children’s literacy, which is our philanthropy. I looked forward to going every week. It was refreshing to take a study break and the kids were always so excited to see us. I am able to maintain my grades while being an active volunteer on the weekends or after class.”
Studying to be a dentist could be a full-time job. Working to become Miss Arkansas also could be a full-time job. But Barbaree’s full plate of activities wasn’t an issue in high school, where she competed in five sports – softball, basketball, tennis, track and cross country – and also took dance for 15 years.
“My participation in sports definitely set me up for success in college. I am so thankful for all of my coaches and teammates. They truly made a significant impact in my life,” she said. “Sports taught me so much, especially how to step up and be a leader. Sports also taught me to give it your all no matter the situation, even if it’s the 4th quarter of a basketball game and you’re down 30 points.”
“Whenever I get a lower grade than expected on an exam or project, it lights that competitive fire in me, and I work even harder to come back and make up for it,” she added. “I don’t let my failures define me. I let them fuel my drive to succeed.”