First-generation grad wants to give back to the community, one smile at a time
Natalie Robles Cervantes (pictured at the Downtown Phoenix campus library) received the Tomalee Doan LibAid for Student Success award from the ASU Library in recognition of her outstanding work at the library. After graduation, the medical studies grad plans to apply to dental school. Courtesy photo
Editor’s note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2025 graduates.
Natalie Robles Cervantes’ mom always told her that a smile goes a long way in building your confidence. Making people feel good about their smiles is something Cervantes holds onto as she pursues her dream of becoming a dentist and giving back to her community.
Cervantes, who is from Maryvale, Arizona, is graduating from Arizona State University with a Bachelor of Science in medical studies from the College of Health Solutions, where she is on the pre-dental track.
Growing up, her parents’ smiles were all she could think about as she contemplated entering the health care field.
“My mom loves smiling, but my dad is the complete opposite,” said Cervantes. “He didn't like his smile, and he would always try and cover it up. One day when I was a kid, he decided to get implants and veneers to fix his smile. When he initially showed me, at first I was upset but I understand now.
“Later he told me that meant so much to him that I loved his smile because he grew up thinking it wasn’t a good one. I loved it, and I still obviously love his new smile now, but I think that was a step for me to understand that this is important for people.”
Cervantes learned that a smile is also important for health.
“Not a lot of people realize that if you don't take care of your teeth, if you don't take care of your oral health, it leads to other diseases and health issues,” Cervantes said. “Many people think it's only an aesthetic, but it isn't. Even though it's a small area of your body, it helps in so many ways.”
During her time at ASU, Cervantes earned the New American University Scholarship and was an Obama Scholar. She also received the Tomalee Doan LibAid for Student Success award from the ASU Library in recognition of her outstanding work at the Downtown Phoenix campus library.
“What I learned working at the library is that everyone is different, and sometimes students need someone to talk to,” Cervantes said. “I could listen, problem-solve, and help them with their questions and navigate the stress of college. Since I was in similar classes, I would give them tips and recommendations on books or other resources.”
As she graduates and applies to dental school, she hopes to give back to her community and empower patients: “I want to build relationships with patients and focus on how I can help them build confidence in themselves.”
Note: Q&A responses have been edited for length and clarity.
Question: What’s something you learned while at ASU — in the classroom or otherwise — that surprised you or changed your perspective?
Answer: I learned so much at ASU academically, but also how different everyone is. We're all here to find something that we're passionate about. The Downtown Phoenix campus is smaller, and I see so many of the same people every day. We're all trying to work towards a similar goal, whether it be medical school, PA (physician assistant) school or something else. I think being surrounded by people who look at life differently is important because you have multiple perspectives and see how people can overcome challenges in different ways.
Q: Why did you choose ASU?
A: I knew that I always wanted to be close to family, but I wanted to be able to grow independently as well. I knew I wasn’t ready to go somewhere else. Family has always been at the heart of my life. My brother went to ASU, and as the little sister following in my brother's steps, I chose ASU. He talked about it highly, and he gave me the motivation to get good grades and keep pushing myself.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at ASU?
A: Jason Houtchens was my organic chemistry professor. He gave you all the resources you needed to succeed and he cares about teaching. Organic chemistry is really hard; he told the class that he failed organic chemistry when he was in college — 'and if I can do it and I'm teaching it here, then you guys can definitely do it.' The way he related to us like that helped because it showed me that he wanted us to succeed.
Q: What’s the best piece of advice you’d give to those still in school?
A: Don't give up. It’s easy to compare yourself to others and see your neighbors succeeding. It was hard for me to see people partying or people going out to eat, and I'm stuck studying. During my freshman year, I was stressed about studying for my general chemistry test and complaining to my mom, who barely finished high school. And my mom told me she wished she could have gone to college and learned all about cells and the body, and in that moment, I remember what a privilege it is to complain about. It's important to remember why you're here and why you want to do this.
Q: What was your favorite spot on campus, whether for studying, meeting friends or just thinking about life?
A: The whole Downtown Phoenix campus. It's such a small campus, and it's right in the heart of downtown. I love walking around, especially over to Roosevelt Row. It’s interesting going to class and studying at coffee shops alongside actual adults in their careers. It's like looking towards your future, seeing somebody who is headed toward their business or preparing for a presentation. I enjoy walking around and being surrounded by success, imagining what my life could be.
Q: What are your plans after graduation?
A: I will be taking a gap year to study for the Dental Admission Test and apply to dental school. Senior year kept me busy juggling volunteering, internships and other jobs, and I need to take some time to renew my love of dentistry and focus on finding another internship to stay involved and help the community.
Access to dental care is a challenge, and even if you have good insurance, not a lot of people go to the dentist or can still afford care. Being bilingual and able to help advocate for patients keeps me going. When there is a language barrier, it can be frustrating for a patient when they struggle to communicate how they feel or understand what's going on with their tooth. Those patients need me to advocate for them. I know there are people out there who need me.
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