Getting to know me: Hi, I’m Nina 💕

So, you've heard about 'Nerdy Nina'? That's me, and it's a phase I'm absolutely loving! For years, my life revolved around glitz and glam as a makeup artist, celebrating South Asian beauty. But deep down, especially as I approached my 30s, I realized that while I loved creativity and culture, there was a different kind of challenge calling to me. The 'nerd' in me, the one who loved learning, problem-solving, and truly understanding complex systems, was just waiting for her moment. Deciding to pursue dentistry at 30 wasn't a sudden impulse; it was a journey of self-discovery, fueled by the realization that I wanted a career that challenged me intellectually and allowed me to truly make a tangible difference in people's lives. It’s a huge leap, especially when everyone expects you to be settled in your career path. Going back to school, facing organic chemistry, anatomy – it feels like a whole new language sometimes! There are definitely days I miss the familiar brushes and palettes, but then I remember the excitement of learning something completely new, of building a future I genuinely desire. My mirror selfies now often feature textbooks instead of professional lighting, and honestly, I'm embracing this 'Channeling my inner nerd' vibe. Who knew studying could be so fulfilling? One of the biggest challenges has been balancing the practicalities of this massive shift. Financially, it’s a big adjustment, and socially, my schedule looks very different from my friends who are progressing in their established careers. But this journey is profoundly about 'choosing me,' as I mentioned, and sometimes that means making significant sacrifices for a bigger, more meaningful goal. I'm learning to be incredibly disciplined, to manage my time effectively, and to lean heavily on my support system. It’s truly about 'All while navigating a lot of change' – not just academically, but in every aspect of my life. For anyone out there feeling stuck or thinking it's 'too late' to switch paths, my biggest advice is to really listen to yourself. What genuinely excites you? What problem do you want to solve? It's okay if your passions evolve. My love for beauty hasn't vanished; it's just taken a backseat while I focus on becoming a 'Future Dentist Here After changing careers at 30.' Maybe I'll even find a way to combine dentistry with my aesthetic eye someday! The journey of 'starting over' is messy, beautiful, and absolutely worth taking for your authentic self. So, if you're like me, a South Asian woman navigating big transitions, or just someone who feels a little bit 'nerdy' inside and is ready to unleash it, know that you're not alone. I'm here to share the ups, downs, and everything in between as I study my way towards a brand new chapter. Let's embrace our evolving selves and build lives that truly make us happy, no matter the age!