My interest in pursuing a career in dentistry grew from my fascination with anatomy and physiology, especially the skeletal system. Science has always been challenging for me, yet fascinating. I'm drawn to how it provides answers to such complex situations and creates opportunities to improve people's lives, and still leaves so much unknown about the human body. As a Biological Sciences major at the University of South Carolina, I've developed a deeper appreciation for how interconnected the human body is and how scientific knowledge can be transformed into patient care. STEM allows me to think critically, solve real-world problems, and explore the unanswered. Learning about the relationship between oral health and overall wellness sparked my interest in dentistry because it combines science, critical thinking, and patient care. I hope to become an oral and maxillofacial surgeon so I can use my education to improve the quality of life and oral care of others while also addressing the healthcare disparities that continue to affect underserved communities. My decision to pursue dentistry is rooted in a desire to serve the community that raised me. Throughout my life, I have seen how many individuals in the African American community face barriers that make quality dental care difficult to access. Financial hardship, limited access to prices, and mistrust of the healthcare system often prevent people from receiving preventative treatment, causing minor dental concerns to develop into serious health conditions. These experiences have shown me that oral healthcare is about much more than treating teeth, but is an essential part of overall health that deserves greater attention and accessibility. As an oral and maxillofacial surgeon, I hope to make a meaningful difference by providing affordable care to my community. My goal is to work with patients who may not otherwise have access to specialized dental services and ensure high-quality treatment regardless of their financial circumstances. I also hope to educate people about preventive oral healthcare so they feel empowered to take control of their health before issues turn into emergencies. By combining patient care with education, I hope to reduce oral health disparities and build stronger and healthier communities. In addition to caring for patients, I want to use my career to encourage more African American students to pursue opportunities in STEM. I hope to be a mentor to other Black students who are interested in dentistry by sharing my experiences, providing guidance, and helping create a gateway for them to attain their goals. Increasing diversity in STEM strengthens innovation by bringing different perspectives and strengths together, and it helps patients feel seen, understood, and comfortable receiving care from professionals who reflect their identities. By supporting future generations of Black dental professionals, I hope to contribute to a workforce that better reflects and serves the Black community. I recognize that pursuing a STEM education requires a significant financial commitment, and I understand that the journey to dental school will require continued dedication and sacrifices. Receiving this scholarship would lessen that financial burden on my family and me and allow me to focus on my education, preparation for the Dental Admission Test, campus involvement, and community service as I prepare for a career dedicated to improving the lives of my community. For me, STEM and dental care are more than a career path; they are ways to create change. Through science and advocacy, I hope to improve access to oral health care, reduce disparities within the African American community, and show that dental health care is not a luxury but a necessity.

When I walk into a classroom at the University of South Carolina, I often find myself searching the room for someone who looks like me. Oftentimes, I am one of the only Black women present. And as a Black woman pursuing a degree in Biological sciences at a large, predominantly white institution such as USC, in those moments, it is easy to feel out of place. And that feeling can be isolating. Over time, I have come to understand that my presence in these rooms is not accidental but necessary. My journey in STEM has been shaped by many moments of discomfort and clarity. In dentistry-related organizations here at the university, there is a significant lack of representation that makes me question whether my voice will be heard or understood. Instead of pushing me away from pursuing STEM, these experiences drew me even closer. Due to my Black STEM professors, advisors, and dental professionals pouring into me, I have been reminded that my presence in these spaces is necessary and that I can be the representation that others need to see. Their encouragement taught me that the discomfort I feel doesn't mean I am out of place but that a door is opening and I am helping to hold it open for others to follow. I have come to understand that pursuing STEM is not just a personal goal but a responsibility to create more inclusive spaces for those who look like me. My experiences have also influenced my decision to pursue a career in dentistry with the hopes of becoming an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. Within the African American community, I have observed a strong stigma surrounding dental care. There is a mistrust and other barriers that are causing individuals with preventable dental issues to go untreated, which leads to more serious health problems. This disconnect made me realize that dental care is not just a medical service, but a public health issue. And it is one that disproportionately harms underserved communities. I aspire to become an oral surgeon and use my career to address oral health disparities in underserved communities. I not only want to treat patients but also educate them. I want to change the narrative that dentistry is only about profit and highlight its role in prevention and overall well-being. I also hope to advocate for more affordable dental services and work directly with underfunded communities where access to care is limited. My impact will not stop at the clinic door. I want to uplift other underrepresented women in STEM by creating the support system I once needed. I would love to mentor young Black women who may feel the same sense of isolation I felt. I want to be involved in programs and organizations that help promote diversity in healthcare to ensure that women of color feel empowered to pursue careers in dentistry or other healthcare professions. I want to help build a space where minority women feel seen and supported, and that they are being poured into. Receiving this scholarship would allow me to focus more deeply on my studies, future research, and community work without the constant financial anxiety that comes with pursuing a STEM degree. It would not only help in supporting my education but also in supporting my mission to aid in a more accessible and inclusive oral care. I am committed to becoming a healthcare profession that transforms communities and challenges inequities, to influence future minority women in STEM, who have the same dream that dental care should not be a luxury, but a necessity available to everyone.

As an incoming junior at the University of South Carolina, I am pursuing my passion for healthcare with the goal of becoming an oral and maxillofacial surgeon. My interest in the dental field began with the realization of how differently people in my community view dental care. Around me, I often heard people say that going to the dentist is unnecessary unless there is severe pain present. Many believed dentists were only interested in making money; they wanted to keep patients in their chairs for financial gain rather than helping patients with oral care. These perspectives shaped my understanding of a larger issue at hand. My perspective began to change when I had my experience with a Black dentist. Seeing someone who looked like me, someone from my own community, in a position of influence, it was surprising and powerful. It was a space where I was not used to seeing people who shared my background, and that made an everlasting impression on me. I realized how important representation is and how, when people see themselves reflected in spaces that may seem intimidating, it can bring a sense of comfort and trust. My interest in pursuing a career in dentistry developed through my love for anatomy and physiology, especially learning about the skeletal system. I became fascinated with how complex the human body is and the various systems function. This interest led me to consider a career as either an oral surgeon or an orthodontist, where I can apply my knowledge of science and improve people's dental health. I plan to build a strong academic foundation in the sciences by excelling in various science classes. In addition, I aim to gain hands-on experience through volunteering and shadowing dental professionals to gain a deeper understanding of patients care and the role of dentistry in the overall health of others. My goals extend beyond personal success. I want to address the health challenges related to dental care, especially in underserved and underrepresented communities. Within the African American community. I have observed a strong stigma surrounding dentistry. Many people avoid going to the dentist due to mistrust or financial barriers. As a result of this, preventable dental issues often go untreated and lead to a decline in one's overall health. That dental care is often misunderstood, especially in underserved communities. This realization inspired my academic and career goals. As I continue my education and career. I plan to use my voice and knowledge to promote public health by increasing awareness about the importance of dental care. I want to help change the narrative that dentistry is only about profit and instead highlight its role in prevention, health, and one's overall well being. I also hope to advocate for more affordable dental services and work in underfinanced communities where access to care is limited. My goal is to combine my passion for science and my commitment to fight for and serve those who can't or need help. I want to be part of the change that makes dental care more accessible, trusted, and valued. I want to prove that dental care and health should not be perceived as a luxury but should be a necessity for all.