Manor College Graduate Discovers More Than a Degree

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Afreen Snaha (Philadelphia/School Lane Charter High School) graduates from Manor College with her Associate’s Degree in Expanded Functions Dental Assisting.

Heading into the Fall of 2022, Afreen Snaha entered Manor College with the goal of being a dental hygienist. She wanted to cater to children because, for her, going to the dentist could be scary. 

“The fun and colorful rooms, enjoyable movies playing and comforting dentists made it seem not so scary,” Snaha said at the time. “I want to be that comfort for children.” 

Three years later, Snaha takes that first step on May 15 when she receives her Associate’s Degree in Expanded Functions Dental Assisting from Manor College. 

“It’s a very fulfilling feeling,” Snaha said. “If I were to look back then, I couldn’t imagine doing the things that I’m doing now. I mean, putting fillings in teeth – what? This degree pushes me to want to accomplish and do even more.” 

Snaha isn’t just leaving college with a degree. She’s leaving with a job. After she passes her boards to be licensed as an EFDA, she’ll begin working in the office of Dr. Vibha Bellary in Huntington Valley. Bellary and Snaha first met while Snaha worked in Manor College’s Dental Clinic with Bellary serving as a Faculty Dentist on Fridays. 

The two began talking casually during clinics. Snaha said their cultures meshed – with Bellary from India and Snaha from Bangladesh. It wasn’t until they ran into each other at an Indian grocery store in Bensalem that it felt like more than a coincidence. 

“Running into her and her family that day, I could tell we just gelled,” Snaha said. “Her character is amazing. The way she handles patients is amazing. Working with such a knowledgeable doctor who has worked in two countries – to have that kind of person as my mentor, I’m very lucky.”

Bellary said Snaha stood out early, growing from a bright and inquisitive student to someone who discovered her voice, grew in confidence and acquired new skills. 

“What made me want to bring her into my practice was her curiosity, work ethic and the sincerity with which she approaches healthcare,” Bellary said. “She doesn’t just want to be part of the dental field – she wants to make a meaningful impact and that intention shows in everything that she does.” 

As she preps for graduation, Snaha credits her parents for opening the world to her and making big sacrifices for her dreams. 

“My parents told me whatever I want to do, they would support me all the way,” Snaha said. “They sacrificed everything. My mom was set to be a doctor in Bangladesh. My dad won the lottery to come to America. They left their dreams and came to America to give me and my brothers a beautiful life and I’m so grateful for it.” 

Her advice for current students is to work hard now because it pays off in the end. She focuses on one anonymous quote, “You need to work hard at the age of labor so you can rest in the age you need to rest.”

“Don’t think that you can get by not doing your best,” Snaha said. “Give everything. You never know the person you might become. You never know what the ripple effect might lead to.”

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