My name is ABH2 (AW/SW) Alexis Bryan, and I am a Navy Veteran. I’m currently pursuing a degree in dental hygiene at Lakeland Community College after completing a five-year tour aboard the USS George Washington. I chose to transition from the Navy to the civilian dental field after a difficult first contract that left me with PTSD and the experience of a court martial, where I had to defend myself against a trusted leader in my chain of command who betrayed the younger female sailors under him. That experience changed everything. Transitioning into civilian life has been one of the hardest obstacles I’ve ever faced, and nearly three years out of the Navy, I still struggle with it. But the military also shaped who I am today. When I joined boot camp in 2017 at just 17 years old, I was young, immature, and had no sense of direction. All I knew was that I needed to leave my small town and make something of myself. The Navy gave me everything I lacked, structure, discipline, and purpose. It gave me skills that I still use every day and opportunities I never thought I’d reach, like excelling in college and being accepted into a competitive dental program. The Navy built my confidence beyond what I thought possible. Every qualification, board review, disciplinary action, and networking opportunity forced me to face my fears and helped shape me into the open communicator and fearless go-getter I am today. From my roles as Yeoman, Training Petty Officer, Command Fitness Leader, and Division Bay Petty Officer, to now working as a head administrator in my civilian job, I have always pushed for excellence. And once I’ve reached it, I push further. The Navy made me strong, educated, and independent, and that’s something no one can take away from me. Growing up in a small town, I was surrounded by people who looked and lived just like me. But in the Navy, I met people from all 50 states and all kinds of backgrounds. We were different in every way, but we shared one thing in common: we all wanted to succeed. We wanted to make our families proud—our parents, our spouses, our siblings, and most importantly, ourselves. For us, service wasn’t political. It was about providing for our families and giving back to our country. We sacrificed birthdays, holidays, comfort, our bodies, our mental health, and some gave everything. We saw the system’s strengths and its flaws, and that only motivated us to do better. That’s why I took on so many roles in the Navy. I felt called to help others grow, especially junior sailors who were in the same position I once was. That mindset earned me two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals for training and mentoring those around me. Now, as a dental hygiene student, I’ve made a promise to myself, and to my community. I will graduate, pass my boards, and become licensed. I will take part in outreach programs like Remote Area Medical to help address the dental care crisis in underserved areas. My discipline and work ethic, both instilled in me by the Navy, have helped me every step of the way. I’m thankful for the leaders who once saw something in me and pushed me to be the woman I am today.

I chose dental hygiene in 2020 while I was still under contract in the Navy. Something about dentistry seemed so fun and interesting; I can’t even explain exactly why or how I chose it, I just knew this is where I wanted my life to end up. After a rough transition from military to civilian life, I finally had the opportunity to pursue my dream. I completed the TEAS test in December of 2023 and received my acceptance into a program by February of 2024! That moment was huge for me. My Navy career pushed me to be better and to push those around me to grow as well and I believe that’s why a public health career is the right place. I want to give back to my community. We’re a low-income area that struggles with drug use and mental health issues, which often leads to a lack of care for your overall health. I didn't grow up valuing self-care or taking care of my teeth, and because of that, I've had to work even harder to catch up as an adult. Now, I care deeply, not just about my own health, but about helping others care about theirs too. I want to share the knowledge I've gained through my education to my family, friends, and anyone in my community who will listen. This scholarship would help relieve some of the financial stress that comes with being in a competitive health program while trying to stay afloat. I'll be stepping away from my 9-5 job to pursue this program, and having this scholarship would give me the relief and freedom to focus fully on my studies for a career I've dreamed about for so long. I have worked full time, sold my personal items and even started cleaning an Airbnb on the side to build up a savings just to make it through my first semester; covering the cost of loupes, instruments, uniforms, school supplies and my tuition. Thank you so much for the opportunity to apply for a wonderful scholarship!

My journey with mental health has deeply impacted how I see myself, how I connect with others, and the kind of future I want to build. I’ve spent years working through anxiety, depression, PTSD, and the effects of trauma, including sexual assault. I’ve been diagnosed with Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) and have completed multiple rounds of therapy, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These experiences have shaped me in painful but powerful ways. Mental health has never been a simple topic in my life, it’s been messy, complicated, and full of ups and downs. I’ve had to face parts of myself I didn’t want to acknowledge: the anger, the fear of abandonment, the emotional rollercoasters, and the deep sadness that would sometimes make it hard to get out of bed. But through therapy, I’ve started to understand that healing isn’t about becoming perfect, it’s about becoming aware, making small changes, and showing up even when it’s hard. One of the hardest areas my mental health has affected is my relationships, especially with my fiancé. We’ve been through more than most couples our age. My past trauma and emotional triggers have caused arguments, emotional distance, and pain on both sides. But the thing that’s kept us going is our shared commitment to growth. We’ve both had to learn how to communicate, how to give each other grace, and how to rebuild trust one day at a time. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s taught me what real love looks like: showing up when it’s hard, choosing each other through the tough moments, and learning how to fight for each other, not against. These experiences have also shaped my career goals in a big way. I’m studying dental hygiene, and at first, I chose it because I liked healthcare and wanted a stable career. But now, I see it as so much more than that. I want to be someone who creates a safe, calm, and nonjudgmental space for people, especially those who may struggle with fear, shame, or trauma around medical or dental care. My own journey has given me a deeper level of empathy and compassion. I know what it’s like to feel anxious, misunderstood, or not listened to, and I never want my patients to feel that way. My mental health journey is still ongoing. I still have hard days. But I’ve learned to manage my emotions, recognize my triggers, and keep growing. I believe this work has made me a stronger partner, friend, and future healthcare provider. My struggles don’t define me, but they do guide me toward a career and a life built on empathy, resilience, and purpose.

I believe that empathy is one of the most powerful tools we have to create real change, and I’ve spent the last several years learning how to lead with it. My name is Alexis Bryan, and I’m a Navy veteran, full-time worker, and first-generation college student studying dental hygiene. While my path hasn’t always been clear, I’ve learned that my purpose lies in using my experiences to connect with others, offer compassion, and support people who may feel unseen or unheard. My time in the military shaped a huge part of who I am today. I served aboard the USS George Washington, where I held leadership roles including Command Fitness Leader and Training Petty Officer. These roles weren’t just about responsibility, they were about taking care of people. Whether I was helping someone pass their physical training, offering encouragement when they felt like giving up, or simply listening, I learned how to truly show up for others. That taught me the importance of patience, empathy, and listening—skills I carry with me everywhere now. As I transitioned out of the military, I faced my own challenges, figuring out how to restart in a civilian world, working full-time, and pursuing college as a first-generation student. There were times I felt lost and overwhelmed, but those struggles helped me develop a deeper sense of understanding for what others might be going through behind the scenes. I’ve learned not to judge someone by what I see on the surface, because everyone has a story. I chose dental hygiene because it’s more than just cleaning teeth, it’s about building trust and creating comfort for people who might be nervous, embarrassed, or in pain. I want to be a healthcare provider who sees people for more than their chart or condition. I want patients to know they are safe with me, and that their feelings matter. That level of care and understanding can be life-changing, especially for people who’ve felt dismissed or ignored by the healthcare system. In the future, I hope to use my education and experience to serve in community clinics, offer free care to underserved populations, and even participate in global outreach programs. The world needs more people who lead with kindness and listen before judging. I want to be one of those people, not just in my career, but in everyday life. I believe that real empathy doesn’t come from having a perfect life, it comes from facing hardships and using them to better understand and support others. By continuing to grow, serve, and connect with people from different walks of life, I hope to help build a world that’s more caring, more inclusive, and more human.

My name is Alexis Bryan, and my journey toward a career in healthcare hasn’t been a straight line, but every step has shaped the person I’m becoming and the future I’m working toward. I’m a 25-year-old Navy veteran, full-time worker, and first-generation college student studying dental hygiene. For a long time, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do with my life, I just knew I wanted to help people and build a stable future. Over time, that desire led me to pursue a career in medicine, where I can truly make an impact. Joining the Navy was the first big decision I made to better myself. I enlisted straight out of high school because I didn’t have much direction, and I knew I needed to grow up fast. While serving, I gained a deep understanding of responsibility, resilience, and leadership. I worked in the Air Department aboard the USS George Washington and took on several leadership roles, including Command Fitness Leader and Training Petty Officer. Those experiences helped me develop confidence and discipline, and they showed me how much I valued being in a position to care for others and lead by example. After leaving the military, I faced the difficult task of starting over. I had to transition into civilian life, find a new purpose, and build a new career from the ground up. I’ve always been drawn to the medical field because I care deeply about people, especially those who are underserved or overlooked. Oral health, in particular, caught my attention because I’ve seen how much it affects a person’s self-esteem, comfort, and overall well-being. Dental hygiene allows me to be hands-on in improving someone’s health while also giving them a reason to smile, literally and emotionally. I’m especially passionate about helping people who may not have had access to regular care, like low-income families or fellow veterans. I’ve been through times when healthcare felt out of reach, and I know how overwhelming that can feel. I want to be someone patients can feel safe with, someone who listens without judgment and treats them with kindness and respect. My goal is to use my skills and education to provide care in a way that’s not only professional, but personal. I hope to specialize in community outreach or public health dentistry in the future, using my experience and background to connect with people and make a difference where it’s needed most. In the end, my life has taught me to keep going, even when things feel uncertain. Choosing a career in dental hygiene is about more than a paycheck, it’s about service, growth, and using my experiences to lift others up.

Pursuing higher education is one of the most important decisions I’ve ever made. For me, it represents a chance to change my life, build a career I’m proud of, and prove to myself that I’m capable of achieving big goals. I chose to pursue college because I want stability, personal growth, and the opportunity to make a difference in the world around me. I’ve always known I wanted more than just a job, I’ve wanted a purpose. That’s why I’m working toward a degree in dental hygiene. It allows me to combine science, hands-on work, and service to others in a way that truly excites me. I didn’t grow up knowing how college worked. As a first-generation student, I’ve had to figure things out on my own. There was no one at home who could explain financial aid, credit hours, or what to expect from professors. That made it feel overwhelming at first, and I doubted whether I’d even be able to succeed in college. But instead of letting that fear stop me, I’ve taken it as a challenge. Every step I’ve taken, researching programs, applying for scholarships, registering for classes, I’ve done by asking questions, reading everything I could, and learning from trial and error. One of the biggest things that prepared me for college was my time in the Navy. I joined the military because I wanted to grow, gain structure, and find direction. During my service, I learned how to manage stress, stay organized, and keep pushing even when things felt impossible. I served aboard the USS George Washington, earned two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals, and took on leadership roles that gave me confidence I never had before. That experience taught me the value of hard work, discipline, and resilience, all skills that I now bring into my college journey. Since leaving the Navy, I’ve balanced working full-time with being a full-time student. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve stayed focused because I know what I’m working toward. I want to be someone who helps others feel confident and cared for. As a dental hygienist, I hope to work in communities where people may not always have access to quality care, and eventually give back through volunteer work, especially helping veterans like myself. Being a first-generation college student has come with its challenges, but it’s also given me a deep sense of pride. Everything I’m doing now is not just for me, but for the future I’m building. I’ve worked hard to get here, and I’m ready to keep going.

My name is Alexis Bryan. I’m a 25 year old Navy veteran, full-time employee, and college student currently working toward my degree in dental hygiene. My journey hasn’t been traditional or easy, but it’s mine and I’m proud of how far I’ve come. Every obstacle I’ve faced has only made me more determined to reach my goals and make a difference in the world around me. When I graduated high school, I didn’t have a clear path. I joined the Navy because I wanted to grow as a person and build a better future. I needed structure, discipline, and a challenge and that’s exactly what the military gave me. I served in the Air Department aboard the USS George Washington and held several leadership roles, including Training Petty Officer and Command Fitness Leader. I earned two Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medals during my service. The Navy taught me resilience, responsibility, and how to lead by example. After transitioning out of the military, I had to start over. Adjusting to civilian life while finding a new direction wasn’t easy. I now work full-time as an administrator and material purchaser while attending college. Balancing work, school, and life responsibilities has been one of the biggest challenges I’ve ever faced. There have been moments of doubt, exhaustion, and frustration, but giving up was never an option for me. I chose to study dental hygiene because I want a career that lets me help others in a real and meaningful way. Oral health is often overlooked, yet it affects people’s confidence, comfort, and overall health. I want to provide gentle, compassionate care, especially for people who may have anxiety about dental visits or who haven’t had access to regular dental care. My goal is to one day serve underserved communities, offer support to fellow veterans, and even volunteer my skills both locally and globally. I’m also a first-generation college student, which means I’ve had to figure a lot of things out on my own. It hasn’t always been easy, but it’s made me stronger, more independent, and more motivated to reach my goals. Studying in the United States has given me the opportunity to build a future that’s rooted in service, purpose, and impact. I want my story to show others that no matter how many times you have to start over, your goals are still within reach if you’re willing to work for them.

Growing up, I always felt a part of me was different, but it was hard to fully understand or accept it. I identify as bisexual, but because I’ve only dated men, people around me like my family, friends, and even people I trusted have told me that I’m “not really bi.” They’d say things like, “You’ve only ever been with guys,” or “You’ll end up with a man, so it doesn’t count.” At first, I brushed it off, but over time, those words started to stick. I started to doubt myself. I even convinced myself that maybe they were right. But deep down, that never felt true. I’ve always felt strong emotional, romantic, and even physical attraction toward women. In fact, I often feel more connected to women on a deeper level. Just because I haven’t dated a woman doesn’t mean my feelings aren’t valid. Still, it’s hard to keep reminding yourself of that when the people closest to you continue to deny that part of who you are. What made this struggle even more confusing is that I haven’t faced open hate or discrimination. It’s all been subtle comments, jokes, and the constant dismissal of my identity. And because I haven’t had some dramatic “coming out” story, I felt like my experience didn’t count. I understand others have heartbreaking and traumatic experiences in their sexual identity, I try to remind myself that my family and friends would most likely accept me even if I did end up with a woman and for that I am lucky. I told myself that maybe I was just confused or maybe it was all in my head. But no matter how hard I tried to ignore it or push it away, my identity never went away. It’s always been part of who I am. Now, I’m learning to accept myself again and stand firm in who I am, even if others don’t get it. Being bisexual doesn’t have to look a certain way. I don’t owe anyone proof or explanation. This struggle has taught me how important it is to trust myself and to listen to my own voice above the noise. One day, I hope I can be someone that helps others feel valid in their identity without needing to prove anything to anyone. Everyone deserves to feel seen, heard, and accepted, and that starts with learning to believe in yourself first.

Education is important to me because it’s my way of creating a better future for myself. It gives me a chance to work toward the kind of life I’ve always wanted; one where I feel proud of who I am and what I’ve accomplished. I didn’t always know what I wanted to do, but I’ve always known I wanted more for myself and my future family. That is one of the main reasons I joined the Navy. I saw it as a way to grow, learn discipline, and better myself when I didn’t really have a clear path. The Navy taught me about hard work, responsibility, and how strong I really am. It pushed me out of my comfort zone and gave me confidence. Now that I’m out and back home, I’ve decided to keep pushing forward by going to college and working toward a career I care about. I’m studying dental hygiene because I want to help people feel good about themselves, and I know how important dental health is for confidence and overall well-being. Education, to me, means not settling. It’s a way of proving to myself that I can do hard things and stick with them. I work full-time, and school hasn’t always been easy, but I’ve stayed focused because I know what’s waiting for me on the other side of all this effort. I want stability, a career I enjoy, and to be someone that others can look up to; especially other women who may be figuring out their path later than expected, just like I did. As for the legacy I want to leave, I just want people to say, “She never gave up.” I want to be someone who shows others that it’s never too late to go after what you want. You can change your life at any time if you’re willing to work for it. I hope my story inspires others, whether it’s my future kids, other veterans, or even strangers, to believe in themselves and take that first step, no matter how scary it feels. At the end of the day, I want my life to show that even when things don’t go as planned, you can still end up where you’re meant to be if you don’t quit. That’s what education is doing for me, it’s helping me build the life I’ve always wanted, and I hope I can help others believe they can do the same.