08/26/2026
Addy Mathis always knew she wanted to pursue a career in dental hygiene—it was just a matter of finding the right place to begin that journey. When she discovered USI, she knew she had found her home.
“I almost didn't end up at USI. I was looking at dental hygiene programs, and there were only a few options in Indiana. I came to campus for a visit, and from the moment I stepped out of the car, I just knew. I had toured other colleges before, but I never felt connected to them. After my visit here, I went home, withdrew my other applications and waited for my acceptance. As soon as I got it, I committed. It just felt right.
Coming here from Columbus, Indiana, was a big change. I was three hours from home, and I was really shy. In high school, I wasn't involved in much, and I didn't have a lot of friends. My first semester was hard because I had to learn how to step outside my comfort zone. Looking back now, I think joining Orientation Leaders changed everything for me. It gave me confidence, lifelong friendships and a sense of purpose. I started as an Orientation Leader, then became a mentor, and now I get to help train and support the next group of student leaders. It's been incredible to see how much I've grown because of this place.
People always ask what makes USI different, and my answer is always the community. Everyone here wants you to succeed. My professors know me, my friends have become family and every organization I've joined has helped me become a more confident version of myself. Joining Tri Sigma gave me another group of people who constantly encourage me, challenge me and remind me that I'm capable of more than I think. I've never felt alone here.
I'm graduating with a degree in dental hygiene and a Spanish minor because I want every patient I care for to feel comfortable, understood and welcome. Being able to communicate with someone in their own language means a lot to me, and I hope it helps people feel seen.
I don't want to leave USI. This campus has become home. My dream is to come back one day, earn my master's degree, teach future dental hygiene students and give back to the place that has given me so much. If I can help even one student feel the way I felt when I first stepped on this campus, then I'll know I came full circle.”