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First-generation grad beats incredible odds to become a dentist

29-year-old knew she was not meant to be another statistic

Meet Shonteral Redmond — better known on social media as “Dr. Shon — Motivational Dentist.”

Dr. Shon spends her time sharing her story of overcoming adversity on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube and dishing out encouragment to her many followers and friends.

Life hasn’t always been easy for Redmond.

She was born to a teen mother who died when she was 8. At 12, she began working — eventually holding down three jobs to save money for her college degree. It was the application of that hard work and dedication that allowed her to keep her eyes on her hopes and dreams — to become a doctor.

On May 21, Redmond will graduate from Meharry Medical College’s School of Dentistry with the hope of providing free dental services for underprivileged families.

“Nobody else let me into dental school but they gave me an opportunity,” Redmond said of Meharry.

Dr. Shon is an overcomer. Check out her heart-felt story via Facebook.

Congratulations Dr. Shon!

Kelley Evans is a digital producer at Andscape. She is a food passionista, helicopter mom and an unapologetic Southerner who spends every night with the cast of The Young and the Restless by way of her couch.