‘Every Smile Has a Story’: Inside a Manor College Student’s Career Switch

Ashley Norwood (Little Flower Catholic High School for Girls) will study Dental Hygiene at Manor College.

Everyone around Ashley Norwood knew about her passion for nursing. They held parties with customized cakes when she got into nursing school and cheered her on throughout her years in the program. That love began slipping away one night in 2020.

Norwood worked through an overnight clinical shift, shadowing nurses throughout their rounds in the hospital. During one evening, the hospital paired Norwood with a nurse who was 4-5 months pregnant. Norwood watched and assisted as the nurse grew exhausted throughout the evening. The shift ended as Norwood and the nurse moved a heavy patient off the floor and into bed.

“It wouldn’t be an easy career on my body,” Norwood said. “I didn’t like the lifestyle. I want a big family. I want to be able to afford kids. The whole thing was disenchanting.”

She began telling her family that she wanted to switch careers.

“I just felt like I was such a disappointment,” Norwood said. I had family and friends who supported me and celebrated me. I felt like I was letting them down.”

In 2021, Norwood studied abroad in Spain. It was the breath of fresh air that she needed to decide her next path.

“I needed the space to make my decisions,” Norwood said. “Being confined in COVID, studying abroad was an escape. I needed to be myself.”

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Norwood returned home and finished her Bachelor’s Degree in Public Health at Temple. Before she graduated, she worked in a dental office in Abington and became a research assistant at Temple’s school of dentistry. Those experiences showed her a different side of public health.

Dentistry felt more family oriented. The environments were cleaner and there was more time for dentists and assistants to cater to the needs of the patient.

“I feel like every set of teeth and every smile has a story of its own to tell,” Norwood said. “Dentistry is more of a gateway to someone’s lifestyles, hidden insecurities, background and access to resources.”

Norwood discovered Manor College through a mutual friend who graduated from the institution’s Dental Hygiene program. After doing her own research, Norwood applied, became accepted and enrolled for the Fall 2025 semester.

“I chose Manor because it was home,” Norwood said. “I truly went with the vibes. Manor’s energy is so positive and helpful. I love that I feel like I’ve gained a sense of family since having applied.”

At Manor, she hopes to continue working in public health. She volunteered with a mobile dental clinic unit while completing her degree at Temple, and spent time with Missions of Mercy in PA, a non-profit group that accepts all patient demographics for free dental treatment on a full weekend.

Coming in as a non-traditional student, Norwood wants others to know that it’s important to try something and stick it out, but if it doesn’t work, it’s OK to move on to another plan.”

“It’s OK to change your mind,” Norwood said. “It’s OK to write your own story. That’s what I learned while I was abroad. You have to have your ups and downs, but keep moving through it.”