GTCC Dental Assisting Students Step Into the Spotlight at SkillsUSA Competition

Andrea Morales-Estrada didn't come to GTCC to simply get a degree. She came to build a future, for herself and for her family.

This spring, Morales-Estrada and fellow GTCC dental assisting student Amelia Shuping competed in the SkillsUSA North Carolina State contest — a hands-on skills competition that puts students from across the state head-to-head in their chosen career fields. For both, it was their first time on that kind of stage. And for Morales-Estrada, the moment meant something bigger than a score.

“My goal was to gain more confidence,” she said. “I know I know all the material in dentistry, but I wanted to be able to not second-guess myself. I have the training and education to know everything I need to know.”

Originally motivated by a desire to build a better future for herself and her family, Morales-Estrada’s journey reflects perseverance and purpose. As the first in her family to attend college, she has remained focused on completing her education while navigating significant life changes. Now, as she prepares to welcome her daughter, she is even more determined to succeed.

“I knew that I was going to finish school no matter what,” she said. “This doesn’t just affect my future. It will also benefit my daughter’s future.”

At GTCC, Morales-Estrada has developed both the technical knowledge and resilience needed to thrive in the dental field. Competing in SkillsUSA gave her the opportunity to showcase those skills while reinforcing the confidence she has built throughout the program.

Shuping shared a similar sense of excitement as she prepared for her first SkillsUSA experience.

“My goal was to enjoy the experience while showcasing the skills I have learned over the past eight months,” she said.

For Shuping, the competition represents a chance to challenge herself and connect with others in the field.

“I enjoyed engaging in friendly competition, meeting new people, and pushing myself,” she said. “I felt like it helped me build confidence and improve my skills.”

She also credits the support of GTCC faculty for helping her reach this moment.

“My instructor, Mrs. (Andrea) Powell, has been supportive and encouraging throughout the program,” Shuping said. “She has been very involved in helping us prepare and was really excited for us to compete.”

Morales-Estrada and Shuping were among five GTCC dental assisting students competing in this year’s event, joining 16 contestants from four different schools. The dental assisting competition took place on Friday, April 10, from 9 a.m. to noon in the Dental Science building.

GTCC is proud to host several SkillsUSA North Carolina State Conference competitions on campus, welcoming students, educators, and industry professionals from across the state. Events like SkillsUSA highlight the hands-on training, industry-aligned curriculum, and real-world preparation that define the GTCC experience.

Through opportunities like this, students are not only tested on their technical abilities but also gain confidence, professionalism, and a deeper understanding of their future careers.

As Morales-Estrada and Shuping stepped into competition, they carried with them the knowledge, support, and preparation they had gained at GTCC. Their participation reflects more than individual achievement. It represents the strength of the program, the dedication of faculty, and the bright future ahead for Titans entering the workforce.

With competitions taking place across campus in the coming days, the SkillsUSA State Conference continues to showcase the talent, determination, and career readiness of students across North Carolina.

At GTCC, those moments are just the beginning.