The moment I realized I wanted to pursue a career in dental hygiene came unexpectedly, but it has stuck with me ever since. My mom had struggled with recurrent periodontitis for years, and I watched as she endured both the physical discomfort and emotional toll it took on her. She did not understand the severity of her condition for years until she switched dental offices, and a dental hygienist took the time to educate my mom on the severity and extent of her periodontitis and perform nonsurgical periodontal therapy that not only improved her periodontal health but also gave her a renewed sense of control over her health. Witnessing this physical and emotional transformation was the moment I understood the true power of dental hygiene. It was not just about cleaning teeth, as many believe, but empowering patients to improve their lives and understand the connection between oral and overall health. That experience ignited my passion for this field and shaped my decision to pursue dental hygiene as a career. Before that experience, I had always appreciated healthcare, but I had not fully realized the profound impact that dental hygiene could have on a person’s life. The hygienist’s careful treatment and clear, compassionate education showed me that dental care goes far beyond procedures—it builds trust, creates meaningful patient relationships, and offers guidance that leads to long-term health. I want to provide this kind of care, a mix of technical skills, educational knowledge, and genuine empathy. Since that moment, I have immersed myself in my studies and clinical training, driven by the desire to give patients the best quality of care and understanding like the one my mom received. I am fascinated by the complexities of periodontal disease and the way oral health impacts overall well-being. Every course, from anatomy to patient management, excites me and strengthens my commitment to this field. I am eager to continue developing my skills, particularly in preventive care and patient education, to help individuals maintain their health and confidence. Financial preparedness is critical to achieving my educational and professional goals. The costs of tuition, textbooks, and clinical materials have been overwhelming, and this scholarship would significantly ease that burden. It would allow me to focus on my studies and gain valuable experience without worrying about financial strain. Additionally, the scholarship would allow me to pay for national board reviews and contribute to my clinical and written board exams—experiences that will help me grow and are imperative for a prompt graduation. Ultimately, I hope to work in underserved communities, providing access to quality dental care and empowering patients to take control of their oral health. This scholarship would support my journey toward becoming a dental hygienist who provides preventive and therapeutic services, educates, supports, and inspires patients to make long-lasting health improvements. Thank you for considering my application. Sincerely, Arianna Fernandez Dental Hygiene Student

ariannafernandz

The dream version of my future self as a dental hygienist is a compassionate and skilled professional who not only provides exceptional oral care but also advocates for equitable access to dental health services, educates and empowers patients to take control of their oral and overall health, and actively contributes to initiatives that improve the well-being of marginalized communities as well as advocating to advance the dental hygiene profession.

I come from a small town in Venezuela, where I lived with my mother and little brother. I studied Electrical Engineering, and three years down, in 2017, I left my career because of my home country's economic hardships and the diminution of academic quality. Therefore, I decided to put a hold on my goals and find a way to redirect myself as my future no longer looked like I envisioned. In 2018, I moved to Ecuador with my mother and started to learn English, but I felt lost as I did not know what I wanted to do then. I came to the United States by the end of 2019 while my mother had to immigrate again, but this time to Spain, where she resides now. While in the U.S., I researched careers to better my opportunities to provide for myself and my family in Spain and Venezuela. The Dental Hygiene profession caught my attention. I have always been interested in Dentistry, and health has been a passion of mine since I can remember, but I could not afford it in my home country. The Dental hygiene career does not exist in Venezuela, so I started to learn more about the duties and responsibilities and the day-to-day life of a dental hygienist, and the more I learned about it, the more convinced I was that it was the right path for me. I have missed several years of academic and professional advancement, and this 2-year program can provide me with the tools I need to succeed while helping the community from the prevention side of dentistry. My mother has always encouraged me to pursue higher education, as she could only do so at 35. Being a single mother of two and found it difficult at the time to work, study, and provide for her two children with an absent father. After I made my decision, I started preparing to take my GED as neither my high school nor my university would send my translated transcripts in a sealed envelope to the United States. I passed my GED on the first try with the "College Ready Plus Credits" mark in 2022. In the same year, I started taking my pre-requisite courses to apply to the dental hygiene program at Amarillo College, which only accepts the top scoring 24 candidates once a year. I maintained a perfect GPA while studying for the HESI A2 entrance exam. I recently received my acceptance letter from the dental hygiene committee to start the program in the fall of 2023. I want to impact minority communities, especially women immigrants who need to learn how to navigate the path from learning the language to college and finances to follow their goals. I plan to help everyone I have access to see the way more clearly and overcome their doubts and fears because everybody can with the right amount of guidance and effort. I also want to help break the stereotype that moving to a foreign country means settling for the basics. I want to show people that we can earn a place wherever setting we decide to take part in and be as competent and deserving as everyone else, as my mother always taught me. The only downside of the career choice is its cost; even though it is a community college, the price of instruments, labs, uniforms, textbooks, and certifications requires a huge inversion; I would also need to move the city. This scholarship can help me alleviate all the expenses to come for me to work towards my goals.

I hail from a small town in Venezuela, where I pursued my studies in Electrical Engineering. However, in 2017, I faced numerous obstacles due to my home country's economic hardships and declining academic quality. Determined to overcome these challenges and redirect my future, I made the difficult decision to put my goals on hold. At that point, I felt lost and uncertain about my path forward. In 2018, I began learning English to expand my horizons and explore new possibilities. In 2019, I decided to come to the United States. Since then, I have dedicated myself to studying and perfecting my English skills. While researching various career options in the U.S., I discovered Dental Hygiene, which immediately captured my interest. Dentistry has always fascinated me, and I have had a lifelong passion for health. Unfortunately, pursuing this field was financially unattainable in Venezuela, where Dental Hygiene was not even offered as a career option. As I delved deeper into understanding a dental hygienist's duties, responsibilities, and day-to-day life, my conviction grew stronger that this path was right for me. Having missed out on several years of academic and professional advancement, I realized that this two-year program could equip me with the necessary tools to succeed while also allowing me to contribute to the community through preventive dentistry. As soon as I decided, I embarked on obtaining my GED due to the impossibility of my envelope-sealed translated transcripts from my high school and university in Venezuela. Undeterred, I prepared meticulously and passed my GED on the first attempt in 2022, achieving the "College Ready Plus Credits" mark. In the same year, I enrolled in prerequisite courses required for the dental hygiene program at Amarillo College. Admission to this program is highly competitive, with only the top 24 candidates being accepted each year. Despite the challenges, I took 17 semester hours in my first semester and 12 in my second, maintaining a perfect GPA of 4.00. Simultaneously, I dedicated myself to studying for the HESI A2 entrance exam. I received my acceptance letter from the dental hygiene committee as I was in the top 24 out of 121 applicants this year, and I will be starting this fall, 2023. Throughout my journey, I have overcome numerous obstacles with determination, respect, innovation, versatility, equality, and nurture. My impact thus far has been primarily focused on the Latin American community, particularly women immigrants who need guidance in navigating the path from language learning to college education and financial stability. I aim to help individuals gain clarity and overcome their doubts and fears by providing guidance and support. I aim to challenge the stereotype that moving to a foreign country means settling for the basics. I want to inspire others by demonstrating that anyone can excel in any setting, being just as competent and deserving as anyone else. My unwavering passion for health has been the driving force behind my career choice. I am eager to deepen my understanding of the human body and share that knowledge with patients to help them optimize their overall health. Building trust, listening to people's stories, and teaching them proper dental hygiene techniques bring me immense satisfaction. However, pursuing this career path comes with financial challenges. Despite being a community college, the costs of instruments, labs, uniforms, textbooks, and certifications require a significant investment. Moreover, I would need to relocate from Lubbock, my current residence, to Amarillo, Texas. The scholarship I am seeking would greatly alleviate the financial burden, enabling me to focus on working toward my goals with renewed determination and dedication.

Gender disparity remains a significant challenge in various spheres of society, including Texas. As a future dental hygienist, I am passionate about addressing and confronting gender disparities within my community. By pursuing a degree in dental hygiene and embarking on a career in this field, I aim to create a meaningful impact in promoting equality, empowerment, and access to oral healthcare. One of the critical aspects of gender disparity within the dental profession is the underrepresentation of women within the dental and lawmakers community. Hygienists in the stet of Texas must work under the supervision of a dentist, whether in private or public practice. According to the American Dental Association, only 36.7% of dentists are female. As most dentists and decision-makers within the field are men, often this skewed gender ratio is reflected. As a future dental hygienist who wants to advocate for dental hygienist rights, which is female predominant,t and later become a dentist, I am motivated to address this gender imbalance and advocate for increased representation of women in leadership positions and decision-making roles to protect dental hygienist rights. By actively engaging with professional organizations, advocating for inclusivity, and promoting policies supporting women's career progression, I hope to create an environment where the interests and perspectives of predominantly women dental hygienists are prioritized. Especially now when dentists around the country are considering solving the shortage of dental hygienists, who must dedicate three to four years of full studies and board certifications by giving dental assistants with little to no training in the responsibilities of a dental hygienist but with dental assistant pay. Gender disparities extend beyond representation in dentistry to the specific healthcare needs of individuals. Women, for instance, face unique oral health challenges due to hormonal fluctuations during pregnancy, menopause, and certain health conditions. As a dental hygienist, I provide gender-inclusive care, address women's oral health concerns, and ensure appropriate treatment and education. By tailoring my services to meet the diverse needs of all patients, I aim to contribute to equitable and comprehensive oral healthcare in Texas. Women's perspectives and experiences deserve recognition and inclusion in oral health initiatives, research, and policy-making. By actively engaging with women patients, listening to their concerns, and incorporating their insights into oral health practices, I aim to empower women and ensure their voices are heard. Additionally, I aspire to collaborate with fellow dental professionals to conduct research that focuses on gender-specific oral health issues, thereby contributing to evidence-based practices and policies that are inclusive and representative. Through my career as a dental hygienist, I aim to advocate for gender-responsive policies within the oral healthcare system. By actively engaging with professional associations and policy-making bodies, I hope to promote initiatives that address gender disparities, support the advancement of women in dentistry, and ensure fair representation and decision-making power for dental hygienists. Additionally, I aspire to work towards policies that improve work-life balance, provide equal opportunities for career development, and enhance job satisfaction for all dental professionals. One of the most impactful ways to address gender disparity is through mentorship and empowerment. In my future career, I am committed to supporting aspiring dental hygienists, particularly women, by providing guidance, mentorship, and resources to help them navigate their professional journeys. By sharing my experiences, offering advice, and fostering an environment of support, I aim to inspire and empower future dental hygienists, promoting diversity and gender equality.

For me, the decision to pursue a career in dental hygiene was shaped by a profound connection between oral health and overall well-being. My journey into veganism has played a significant role in this choice, as it aligns perfectly with my commitment to promoting holistic health and sustainable living. Growing up, I witnessed the impact of poor oral health on overall well-being within my own family. The connection between dental hygiene and systemic health fascinated me. As I delved deeper into research and explored the intricate relationship between oral health and diseases like cardiovascular issues, diabetes, and respiratory ailments, my determination to pursue a career in dental hygiene grew. I realized oral health is vital in maintaining optimal physical health and preventing chronic conditions. This understanding fueled my passion for becoming a dental hygienist, actively improving people's well-being, teaching patients about its impact, and providing them with the tools to start or improve their oral and overall health journey. My family, especially my parents, played a pivotal role in shaping my career choice. My mother and father have experienced oral health issues, which have impacted their overall health. Witnessing their struggles and realizing the importance of preventive care motivated me to make a difference in the lives of others. Their support and encouragement have been instrumental in my decision to pursue dental hygiene as a career. Transitioning to a vegan lifestyle opened my eyes to the immense impact of dietary choices on health and the environment. I discovered how a vegan lifestyle can contribute to overall well-being by reading books, watching documentaries, and educating myself about the benefits of a plant-based diet. The connection between oral health and diet became increasingly apparent as I learned about the detrimental effects of consuming animal products on oral health. This knowledge further reinforced my commitment to promoting a vegan diet as an integral part of dental hygiene. Exploring literature and documentaries on nutrition and health deepened my understanding of the interplay between diet and oral health. Books like "How Not to Die" by Dr. Michael Greger and documentaries such as "Forks Over Knives" and "Cowspiracy" highlighted the big health benefits and environmental sustainability associated with a plant-based diet. The knowledge gained from these sources solidified my decision to adopt a vegan lifestyle and inspired me to advocate for holistic health within the dental hygiene profession. As I embarked on my journey towards a vegan lifestyle, I noticed positive changes in my oral health. Adopting a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and natural healthy fats improved the health of my gums and reduced instances of tooth decay. I have been vegan for five years, and these experiences reinforced my belief in the power of a vegan diet to promote excellent oral health. Choosing a career in dental hygiene and a plant-based diet is the culmination of various influences and personal experiences. Witnessing the impact of oral health on overall well-being within my family, educating myself through books and documentaries, and embracing a vegan lifestyle have all contributed to my passion for holistic health. As a dental hygienist, I aspire to educate and empower individuals about the connection between oral health and overall well-being while promoting the benefits of a vegan diet for optimal health and a sustainable future.

I come from a small town in Venezuela, where I lived with my mother and little brother. I studied Electrical Engineering, and three years down, in 2017, I left my career because of my home country's economic hardships and the diminution of academic quality. Therefore, I decided to put a hold on my goals and find a way to redirect myself as my future no longer looked like I envisioned. In 2018, I moved to Ecuador with my mother and started to learn English, but I felt lost as I did not know what I wanted to do then. I came to the United States by the end of 2019 while my mother had to immigrate again, but this time to Spain. While in the U.S., I researched careers to better my opportunities to provide for myself and my family in Spain and Venezuela. The Dental Hygiene profession caught my attention. I have always been interested in Dentistry, and health has been a passion of mine since I can remember, but I could not afford it in my home country. The Dental hygiene career does not exist in Venezuela, so I started to learn more about the duties and responsibilities and the day-to-day life of a dental hygienist, and the more I learned about it, the more convinced I was that it was the right path for me. I have missed several years of academic and professional advancement, and this 2-year program can provide me with the tools I need to succeed while helping the community from the prevention side of dentistry. My mother has always encouraged me to pursue higher education, as she could only do so at 35. Being a single mother of two and found it difficult at the time to work, study, and provide for her two children with an absent father. After I made my decision, I started preparing to take my GED as neither my high school nor my university would send my translated transcripts in a sealed envelope to the United States. I passed my GED on the first try with the "College Ready Plus Credits" mark and started taking my pre-requisite courses to apply to the dental hygiene program at Amarillo College, which only accepts the top scoring 24 candidates once a year. I managed to maintained a GPA of 4.00 and recently received my acceptance letter from the dental hygiene committee to start the program in the fall of 2023. Every day, I thank my mother for supporting me and, even through the distance, for being there to make me believe I can accomplish anything. I want to impact the Latin American community, especially women immigrants who need to learn how to navigate the path from learning the language to college and finances to follow their goals. I plan to help everyone I have access to see the way more clearly and overcome their doubts and fears because everybody can with the right amount of guidance and effort. I also want to help break the stereotype that moving to a foreign country means settling for the basics. I want to show people that we can earn a place wherever setting we decide to take part in and be as competent and deserving as everyone else, as my mother always taught me. The only downside of the career choice is its cost; even though it is a community college, the price of instruments, labs, uniforms, textbooks, and certifications requires a huge inversion. This scholarship can help me alleviate all the expenses to come for me to work towards my goals.

I come from a small town in Venezuela where I studied Electrical Engineering. Three years down, in 2017, I left my career because of my home country's economic hardships and the diminution of academic quality. Therefore, I decided to put a hold on my goals and find a way to redirect myself as my future no longer looked like I envisioned. I started to learn English in 2018, but I felt lost as I did not know what I wanted to do then. I came to the United States by the end of 2019, and ever since, I have dedicated time to studying and perfecting my English. While researching careers in the U.S., Dental Hygiene caught my attention. I have always been interested in Dentistry, and health has been a passion of mine since I can remember, but I could not afford it in my home country. The Dental hygiene career does not exist in Venezuela, so I started to learn more about the duties and responsibilities and the day-to-day life of a dental hygienist, and the more I learned about it, the more convinced I was that it was the right path for me. I have missed several years of academic and professional advancement, and this 2-year program can provide me with the tools I need to succeed while helping the community from the prevention side of dentistry. Immediately after I made my decision, I started preparing to take my GED as neither my high school nor my university would send my translated transcripts in a sealed envelope to the United States. I passed my GED on the first try with the "College Ready Plus Credits" mark in 2022. In the same year, I started taking my pre-requisite courses to apply to the dental hygiene program at Amarillo College, which only accepts the top scoring 24 candidates once a year. I took 17 semester hours in my first semester and 12 in my second and maintained a GPA of 4.00 while also studying for the HESI A2 entrance exam. I recently received my acceptance letter from the dental hygiene committee to start the program in the fall of 2023. My impact now is predominantly within the Latin American community, especially women immigrants who need to learn how to navigate the path from learning the language to college and finances to follow their goals. I plan to help everyone I have access to see the way more clearly and overcome their doubts and fears because everybody can with the right amount of guidance and effort. I also want to help break the stereotype that moving to a foreign country means settling for the basics. I want to show people that we can earn a place wherever setting we decide to take part in and be as competent and deserving as everyone else. My passion for health is what led me to choose this career path. Learning about the human body and having the opportunity to share that knowledge with patients to help them optimize their health is something I look forward to doing. Also, meeting several people, listening to them, building trust, and teaching them how to employ proper dental hygiene satisfies me. The only downside of the career choice is how costly it is; even though it is a community college, the price of instruments, labs, uniforms, textbooks, and certifications requires a large inversion; I would also need to move from Lubbock, where I reside now, to Amarillo, Texas. This scholarship can help me alleviate all the expenses to come for me to work towards my goals.

I come from a small town in Venezuela where I studied Electrical Engineering. Three years down, in 2017, I left my career because of my home country's economic hardships and the diminution of academic quality. Therefore, I decided to put a hold on my goals and find a way to redirect myself as my future no longer looked like I envisioned. I started to learn English in 2018, but I felt lost as I did not know what I wanted to do then. I came to the United States by the end of 2019, and ever since, I have dedicated time to studying and perfecting my English. While researching careers in the U.S., Dental Hygiene caught my attention. I have always been interested in Dentistry, and health has been a passion of mine since I can remember, but I could not afford it in my home country. The Dental hygiene career does not exist in Venezuela; so, I started to learn more about the duties and responsibilities and the day-to-day life of a dental hygienist, and the more I learned about it, the more convinced I was that it was the right path for me. I have missed several years of academic and professional advancement, and this 2-year program can provide me with the tools I need to succeed while helping teh community from the prevention side of dentistry. Immediately after I made my decision, I started preparing to take my GED as neither my high school nor my university would send my translated transcripts in a sealed envelope to the United States. I passed my GED on the first try with the "College Ready Plus Credits" mark in 2022. In the same year, I started taking my pre-requisite courses to apply to the dental hygiene program at Amarillo College, which only accepts the top scoring 24 candidates once a year. I took 17 semester hours in my first semester and 12 in my second and maintained a GPA of 4.00 while also studying for the HESI A2 entrance exam. I recently received my acceptance letter from the dental hygiene committee to start the program in the fall of 2023. The impact I have now is within the Latin American community, especially the immigrants who do not know how to navigate the path from learning the language to college and finances to follow their goals. I plan to help everyone I have access to see the way more clearly and overcome their doubts and fears because everybody can with the right amount of guidance and effort. I also want to help break the stereotype that moving to a foreign country means settling for the basics. I want to show people that we can earn a place wherever setting we decide to take part in, and be as competent and deserving as everyone else. My passion for health is what led me to choose this career path. Learning about the human body and having the opportunity to share that knowledge with patients to help them optimize their health is something I look forward to doing. Also, meeting several people, listening to them, building trust, and teaching them how to employ proper dental hygiene satisfies me. The only downside of the career choice is how costly it is; even though it is a community college, the price of instruments, labs, uniforms, textbooks, and certifications requires a large inversion; I would also need to move from Lubbock, where I reside now, to Amarillo, Texas. This scholarship can help me alleviate all the expenses to come, for me to work towards my goals.