From Georgia Southern to Harvard: Eric Njoroge’s Journey of Hard Work, Growth, and a New Chapter in Dental Medicine

Eric Njoroge’s story is one of perseverance, vision, and transformation. A Spring 2025 graduate of Georgia Southern University, Njoroge is preparing to step into a new chapter of his life this fall as he begins studies at the prestigious Harvard School of Dental Medicine in Boston. It’s a transition that might seem daunting to some, but for Njoroge, it’s the natural next step in a journey shaped by dedication, open-mindedness, and the embrace of new experiences.

Arriving at Georgia Southern several years ago, Njoroge was a young man with ambition, but like many students starting college, he was still discovering exactly where his passion lay. He had always been drawn to science, and dentistry was on his radar, but the path from curious undergraduate to dental school candidate at one of the most selective programs in the world was still a dream more than a plan.

What changed everything for Njoroge was Georgia Southern’s commitment to student support and growth, both academically and personally. He found himself immersed in a learning environment that challenged him, nurtured his curiosity, and encouraged him to step outside of his comfort zone. Whether it was through difficult science courses, hours of volunteering, research opportunities, or countless hours spent in labs, Njoroge seized every chance to develop himself as a scholar and as a person.

But more than just academic achievement, Njoroge emphasizes the importance of personal development during his time at Georgia Southern. “I came in thinking it was all about grades and GPAs,” he reflects. “What I learned is that who you are matters just as much. Your ability to lead, to work with others, to serve your community—that’s what really makes a difference.”

Njoroge credits his professors and mentors for playing an instrumental role in his growth. He speaks fondly of faculty members who didn’t just teach but took the time to invest in him, challenge him to think deeper, and push him to be better. “They saw something in me I didn’t fully see in myself,” he says. “They expected excellence and held me accountable to my potential.”

One key turning point in his college journey was joining Georgia Southern’s Pre-Dental Society. It was through this group that Njoroge found his tribe—fellow students who shared his passion for oral health and were also working toward dental school goals. The group provided more than just camaraderie; it gave Njoroge access to a network of resources, including shadowing opportunities, guest lectures from professionals, and advice from students further along in the journey.

His involvement soon extended beyond simply participating. Njoroge became a leader within the organization, organizing events, mentoring younger students, and coordinating service projects. These experiences not only strengthened his application to dental school but deepened his commitment to service—something he now views as central to his future in dentistry.

“I realized that being a dentist isn’t just about working on teeth,” he explains. “It’s about being a part of a community, educating people, and building relationships. That’s the kind of dentist I want to be—one who listens, who cares, who makes people feel seen.”

His academic record is impressive by any measure. A dual major in biology and chemistry, Njoroge maintained a stellar GPA while engaging in undergraduate research and community service. He worked in labs studying microbiology and biochemistry, experiences that gave him both a technical foundation and a deep appreciation for scientific inquiry. That curiosity and drive for excellence translated directly into his strong Dental Admission Test (DAT) scores, a critical element in gaining admission to top-tier dental programs.

Yet for all his academic accolades, Njoroge points to his volunteer work as perhaps the most meaningful aspect of his college experience. He spent weekends working at local clinics, offering assistance with patient intake, health education, and support services. These experiences exposed him to real-world disparities in healthcare and affirmed his decision to pursue dentistry with a focus on community impact.

“When you sit with someone who’s in pain and scared and just needs help—those are the moments that define why this matters,” he says. “I don’t want to be a dentist who only sees patients as a set of teeth. I want to understand their lives, their struggles, their hopes.”

His compassion and empathy were evident in the recommendation letters he received, with faculty and supervisors praising not only his intelligence and work ethic but also his character, humility, and leadership. Those qualities made him a standout candidate in the highly competitive admissions process for Harvard’s School of Dental Medicine, which selects fewer than 40 students each year from thousands of applicants.

For Njoroge, the offer of admission to Harvard wasn’t just validation of his hard work—it was a symbol of possibility. It represented how far he had come, from a high school student still unsure of his future to a poised, confident young man ready to take on the next academic challenge at one of the world’s leading institutions.

Now, as he prepares to move to Boston, Njoroge is reflective but also filled with anticipation. He knows Harvard will be demanding, but he’s also certain that Georgia Southern has prepared him well. “I’ve learned how to be resilient, how to ask for help, how to grow through failure,” he says. “That’s the foundation I’m taking with me.”

He’s also excited about the broader opportunities that Harvard offers—access to cutting-edge research, exposure to global health initiatives, and the chance to learn from leaders in dentistry and public health. Long-term, he envisions a career that combines clinical practice with advocacy and education, perhaps even working internationally to address oral health disparities in underserved communities.

“My roots are in service,” he says. “That’s something Georgia Southern taught me to value. Wherever my career takes me, that will always be my guiding principle.”

Eric Njoroge’s story is a reminder that greatness isn’t reserved for those who begin with all the advantages in life. It can emerge from dedication, openness to growth, and the belief that transformation is possible. He is proof that with the right mindset—and the right environment—anything can be achieved.

As he departs Georgia Southern, he leaves behind not just a legacy of academic success, but also a model of what it means to lead with purpose. His journey from Statesboro to Boston may cover hundreds of miles, but the values and lessons he’s taking with him will continue to shape who he is and how he serves.

Looking ahead, Njoroge remains both grounded and ambitious. He knows there’s a long road still ahead, full of new lessons and challenges. But with Harvard on the horizon and a heart full of gratitude, he’s stepping into the future with confidence—and a smile that reflects the very field he’s chosen to pursue.

“Dental medicine is about restoration,” he says thoughtfully. “Not just of teeth, but of confidence, dignity, and health. I want to be part of that, and I’m thankful Georgia Southern gave me the tools to begin this journey.”

And with that spirit, Eric Njoroge embarks on a new chapter—one that’s sure to be as inspiring as the path that led him there.