Friday, March 31, 2017

AUDA President's Message

HI! My name is Melissa Haws. As a mother of 4 children, a wife to a dentist, a business owner, Utah Alliance president, a photographer, and a newly called Stake Primary President - I guess you could say that life can be crazy at times. Quite often there is so much going on that it’s hard to FOCUS on what’s important. 
Over the last ten years I have developed a love and a passion for taking photos.  Recently, I discovered that photography is a great metaphor for life.   “ Life is like a camera. “Focus” on what’s important, “capture” the good times. “Develop” from the “negatives,” if things don’t work out take another shot.”
We all could use a reminder to FOCUS on the GOOD and IMPORTANT thing of LIFE.
 For me personally, volunteering and serving as a member of the Alliance of the Utah Dental Association has given me the opportunity to be involved in what I see as IMPORTANT THINGS.  I’ve enjoyed giving back while serving with other spouses of dentists throughout the great state of UTAH.  I have come to understand more fully that together, as spouses of dentists- we have the opportunity to make a difference.  
This year has been a treasured one for me serving as the President of the AUDA.  It has allowed me the opportunity to FOCUS and see the GOOD things happening in DENTISTRY and ORAL HEALTH.  Being a member of the Alliance has inspired me.  It has given me an avenue, and a passion to be part of the good in the world.  It offers many great things like; Give Kids a Smile, Healthy Smiles from the Start, Oral Health Education, Legislation, and friendships.
For me, it’s been an eye opener to see how your simple impact with service can surpass all your expectations, and bring much JOY.  Together with other great Alliance members we have felt compelled to share and give what we can.
 I came across a great book Unselfish-love thy neighbor as thy selfie by Paul Parkinson.  This book highlights 99 untold inspiring stories.  As I read the stories and looked at the photos in this book I thought a lot about the Alliance. The Alliance has reunited my faith in humanity and provides countless services opportunities.  It has inspired me to FOCUS a little more closely on giving back. 
“Making one person SMILE may not change the whole world, but it will change their world.” 
Alliance members have the opportunity to make a difference.  Whether, your service is on a small or large scale, it makes a difference!  I invite you all to attend and experience all the great opportunities  the Alliance has to offer.   FOCUS with me, on being part of a volunteering opportunity to do good. The Alliance provides an avenue to be part of important things, a very full-filling aspect of life.  It’s my hope that we will all focus on the GOOD! Be the GOOD!