When Life Has No Plan for You - Build Your Own
I had no choice so I created one for myself.
There are decisions in life you don’t make because you want to, but because you have no other option. That’s how my story began.
I was 16 years old when I started my apprenticeship at a dental practice. Not because I dreamed of working in dentistry, but because personal circumstances forced me to take on responsibility early. My path wasn’t planned, it wasn’t wanted but it was necessary.
Growing up with a migration background often means having to fight twice as hard for recognition and opportunities. I knew early on: if I wanted to achieve something, it wouldn’t be by waiting it would be by taking action.
And so, I took action. Day by day. At first, just to get through. But soon I realized I wanted more. Not because things came easily to me, but because I wanted to prove to myself that I could make a difference.
In the second year of my apprenticeship, I became assistant manager. By the third year still in training I was promoted to practice manager. I was still an apprentice, yet I was given the chance to lead a team, contribute ideas, and take on responsibility. Why?
Because I showed up. Because I was willing to learn, to pitch in, and to grow beyond my limits. And because I had people by my side who believed in me people to whom I remain endlessly grateful.
What carried me through was my team spirit. I never aimed to shine alone I wanted us to grow together. I believe that’s what made the difference: I was committed, motivated, loyal. I wasn’t just looking for a job; I wanted a role where I could give something of myself.
As if that weren’t challenging enough, I was also given the opportunity to earn my advanced technical diploma alongside my apprenticeship. That meant little free time, many sacrifices and especially many early Saturday mornings when I would have preferred to stay in bed. But I got up anyway. Again and again. Because I knew why I was doing it.
Because deep down, I felt there was more out there for me.
Today, I even have the chance to study in a field I’ve grown to truly enjoy: medical economics.
It’s an area where I can deepen my understanding of practice management, healthcare systems, and economic connections. A field I never consciously chose yet one that feels exactly right.
My conclusion?
Life had different plans for me but sometimes life knows what we don’t know yet.
Looking back, I didn’t just find my path I paved it myself, step by step.
Today, when I look back, I’m proud. Not just of the title “practice manager,” but of the journey to get there. Of all the days I kept going when giving up would have been easier. Of the moments I took responsibility, even when I was afraid. Of the trust that was placed in me and that I hope I was able to return.
This story isn’t just mine. It belongs to all those who couldn’t freely choose their path but made the best of it. To those who didn’t start with perfect conditions, but with true determination. It shows that it’s possible to grow beyond yourself, even when you start from the very bottom.
If you’re at a point where you feel lost, forced, or overwhelmed remember this:
Sometimes the hardest beginnings lead to the strongest stories.
And yours could be the next one.
Seyma Pehlivan
SmileSlay® operates as a global platform committed to advancing oral health literacy, preventive diagnostics, and microbiome science. Each publication is developed in alignment with internationally recognized research standards, integrating peer-reviewed evidence and interdisciplinary expertise. By fostering collaboration between clinicians, researchers, and public health institutions, SmileSlay® contributes to a broader understanding of the oral-systemic connection and its impact on long-term health outcomes. For comprehensive resources, research access, and professional engagement opportunities, visit www.smileslay.io.
