Graduate Profile: Dr. Heather Zielinski
Heather Hays Zielinski was planning to attend veterinary school, but after her Alma College faculty advisors arranged for her to shadow a dentist she knew she was switching careers.
“These faculty members made me believe in myself enough to trust my instincts and follow them,” the 1997 graduate says. “I am so grateful for that encouragement.”
The biology major completed dentistry school at the University of Detroit-Mercy and has purchased her own practice, Creative Smiles Dental Group, in Holly.
“The education I received in the Biology Department is fundamental every day in my career,” she says. “In fact, upon entering dental school, I was better prepared for most of my first year classes than my colleagues, thanks entirely to my Alma College education.”
Zielinski was introduced to Alma through family members and instantly realized it was where she belonged.
“I wanted a small school where I wouldn't get lost in the masses and would receive personalized attention from faculty,” she says. “I felt like I belonged to the Alma family from the day I started Preterm.”
While at Alma, she was a member of Alpha Gamma Delta, the Orientation Committee and Beta Beta Beta biology honorary society. She also performed in various theatre productions.
