In this Alumni Spotlight, we feature Waldport High School graduate Kylie Burk, whose academic journey showcases the importance of finding the right path, even when it means changing course.
Finding Her Path
Kylie graduated from Waldport High School in June 2021 with a clear plan – to major in exercise science at Linfield University and eventually become a physician’s assistant. However, as many graduates discover, initial plans don’t always align with our true callings. “In my first year at Linfield, I found that the school and the PA path weren’t good fits for me,” Kylie shared. This realization led her to explore different options, briefly considering nursing before ultimately finding her passion in dental hygiene – a field she had been interested in during high school.
Educational Journey
Kylie’s journey required flexibility and determination. After deciding to pursue dental hygiene, she moved to a new city and enrolled at Chemeketa Community College to complete prerequisites for dental hygiene programs. Today, Kylie is a junior in the Dental Hygiene program at Oregon Institute of Technology’s Salem Chemeketa Campus. She is on track to graduate in March 2026 with a Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene.
Career Satisfaction
When asked why she chose dental hygiene, Kylie points to multiple factors that aligned with her values and goals. “I knew I wanted a career in healthcare and one that would help people and improve lives,” she explained. “I also wanted a career that provided financial stability while not having to take my work home at the end of the day.”
Kylie appreciates the versatility of her chosen field. Beyond working in dental offices, dental hygienists can pursue opportunities as brand representatives, participate in community health and outreach projects, conduct research, and more.
Advice for Current Students
Kylie’s most emphatic advice for high school students is to follow their own path rather than others’ expectations. “My advice is to do what you want to do. I was encouraged that I should do certain things because I shouldn’t take the ‘easy route,’ but that led me to dislike my school choice and career path and spend a lot of money I could have saved.”
She encourages students to prioritize their happiness and to understand that changing direction is both normal and valuable. “It’s important to do what makes you happy, and even if you find out that it’s not what you want, you can still change your mind and at least you know that you tried.”
Kylie also addressed concerns about education costs: “You shouldn’t let money be the end all to your pursuit of higher education and/or your dream career. Don’t be afraid to go to a community college or vocational/trade school.”