Four Students, Four Unique Paths
For Camaron Cheeseman, it meant trading his NFL jersey for scrubs after three seasons with the Washington Commanders.
For Sarah Jerdan, it meant leaning on faith as she transitioned from life in remote African villages to school in the U.S.—while ultimately balancing marriage and raising six children.
For Andrew Pelok it meant discovering his passion for dentistry through family ties and patient care.
And for dental hygiene student Samantha Ramirez Rodriguez, a proud first-generation college student, it meant bringing resilience and cultural pride to every step of her academic path.
Over the next several years, we’ll follow these four remarkable students as they navigate the challenges, triumphs and transformations of dental school.
Meet Our Students
Camaron Cheeseman: From Gridiron to Dentistry
Camaron Cheeseman’s journey has been anything but ordinary. Born and raised in Columbus, Ohio, he had two dreams for as long as he can remember: being a doctor and a professional athlete. After graduating high school in 2016, he attended the University of Michigan, where he majored in biology and played football for the Wolverines from 2016 to 2019. He was accepted to the Ohio State College of Dentistry in 2020, but after being drafted by the Washington Commanders in 2021, he played three seasons in the NFL before reapplying to the college in 2024.
Initially drawn to emergency medicine, he realized after shadowing in hospitals during his undergraduate years that it wasn’t the right fit. A conversation with his father sparked a new idea: dentistry. After shadowing orthodontists and general dentists, Camaron discovered his passion for the field. “I love the interactions you have with patients and how you can see people grow up,” he said.
Camaron chose Ohio State because he wanted to be near family. “It was an easy choice even though I went to Michigan,” he said. “I always had intentions of coming home and being around those who love me.
Now a dental student at Ohio State, Camaron is excited about the hands-on learning and the chance to build relationships with his classmates and patients. His future plans include staying in Columbus and possibly opening his own practice.
Specializing may also be in his future. “I definitely love cosmetic dentistry, with its ability to change people’s lives and make them feel like the best version of themselves.”
Outside of school, Camaron enjoys golfing, cooking, traveling and spending time with family. Whether skiing in the mountains or relaxing on a beach in Aruba, he embraces life’s adventures.
Sarah Jerdan: Faith, Family and Perseverance
Sarah Jerdan’s story is one of faith and an unwavering dream. Born in France and raised in Chad, Africa, Sarah spent her childhood in remote villages before moving to Cameroon for high school. After graduation, Sarah attended a small Christian college in the Midwest before transferring to Ohio State, where her life took a new direction.
Initially unsure of her career path, Sarah explored education and medicine before discovering dentistry in an unexpected moment while she was still an undergrad. “One day, God gave me the answer right outside Ohio State’s 18th Avenue Library: dentistry!” she said. The profession combined her love for art, science and teaching—an ideal fit. But the road to dental school was far from easy. After an initial rejection, she took a job as a dental assistant, got married, and started a family. “After a year and a half of experience as a dental assistant, I retook the DAT and applied to dental school again. By then I was pregnant with our first son and very sick, so things did not turn out well that time either.”
While Sarah’s life became busy working part time, growing her family and renovating a home, her dream of being a dentist never wavered. She and her husband would eventually grow their family to six children, and it was another eight years before she was able to consider applying to dental school again. A surprise financial gift from her grandmother reignited her hope, and with determination and faith, she retook exams, completed prerequisites, and applied once more. Last December, after more than two decades of waiting, Sarah was accepted into Ohio State’s College of Dentistry. “Many days I walk around campus on the brink of tears, thanking God for the chance to finally be here,” she said.
Sarah loves the challenge of dental school and the support from faculty and peers, though balancing studies with family life remains her biggest hurdle. Looking ahead, she hopes to practice in Columbus until her children graduate, then return to Chad to provide much-needed dental care. “Because there were no dentists when I was growing up in Chad, my dream has always been to take dentistry back there,” she explained.
Andrew Pelok: Carrying on a Legacy
Born and raised in Sylvania, Ohio, Andrew Pelok grew up in a close-knit family that emphasized hard work and perseverance. “My parents encouraged me to give one hundred percent to everything I pursued, whether it was school, athletics or work,” he shared. With an older brother as his “rock” and lifelong friend, Andrew learned the value of support and resilience early on.
Dentistry has been part of Andrew’s life since childhood. One vivid memory stands out: “I remember sitting behind the bench at a Toledo Storm hockey game while my dad, the team dentist, was called into the locker room to extract a tooth from a player who had been struck in the mouth with a stick. Watching him relieve pain with confidence and care sparked something in me,” he said. Growing up in a family of healthcare professionals, Andrew explored various paths but ultimately chose dentistry for its unique blend of science, artistry and patient relationships.
After graduating from Ohio State with a degree in Health Sciences and a minor in biology, Andrew turned his eyes to the future. “I always hoped to attend The Ohio State University College of Dentistry, the alma mater of my father (Brett Pelok, ’93 DDS), grandfather (David Pelok, ’65 DDS), and uncle (Scott Pelok, ’94 DDS)” he said. “Being a third-generation legacy was very meaningful to me, but it also came with its own unique challenges. Many people assumed the application process would be simple for me because of my family’s history, but that was far from the reality. If anything, carrying the Pelok name pushed me to work even harder. I wanted to earn my place on my own merit.”
Now a first-year dental student, Andrew is embracing the challenge. “I have truly enjoyed my first semester. Our class feels like a family already,” he said. “I am excited to continue my education alongside such a supportive class and dedicated professors, and I look forward to becoming the best dentist that I can be!”
Samantha Ramirez Rodriguez: Forging a Path While Staying True to Her Roots
Growing up in Columbus, Ohio, Samantha Ramirez Rodriguez learned to balance two worlds—American life and her Mexican heritage from Guanajuato. “My upbringing gave me a deep appreciation for different perspectives and values,” she shared. As the oldest daughter in a busy household, Samantha often juggles multiple roles: student, mentor and family helper. “Life can be hectic, but I love being someone my siblings and friends can rely on,” she said.
Samantha’s interest in dentistry began in high school when she attended a career academy. While exploring fields like nursing and cybersecurity, she discovered dental assisting—and loved it. “I enjoyed every learning experience,” she recalled. Her dedication earned her scholar merit awards, state-level competition opportunities, licensure, and the Most Outstanding Senior Award in her dental assisting class. After graduation, pursuing dental hygiene felt like the natural next step. She discussed educational options with dental hygiene professionals and they continuously praised Ohio State’s exceptional program and attentive faculty.
“Ohio State was all I had known being raised in Columbus, but I had truly never understood the pride from attending or supporting such an institution,” she said. “The dental hygiene program has exceeded my expectations. The curriculum feels practical and hands-on, and I never find myself bored or unmotivated.”
As a first-generation college student, Samantha admits the workload can be overwhelming at times, but she’s committed to her goals. Over the next two years, she hopes to build confidence in clinical skills and patient care while forming lasting friendships in the program. Her long-term plans include practicing locally and possibly pursuing a master’s degree as well as mentoring future dental hygiene students.
Outside of school, Samantha serves as a Peer Leader Team Leader with Ohio State’s Office of First Year Experience, helping new students transition to college life. When she finds free time, she loves trying new restaurants around Columbus and making time to spend time with friends. “Friends are important, especially since they’ve been by my side through both the good times and the challenges.”