My name is Cody Dearborn, and I am currently on the path to becoming a general dentist. I am drawn to dentistry as it will provide me with daily work that I find to be rewarding. The idea of being able to directly help people—restoring their confidence, easing their pain, and improving their health—is what makes this career so meaningful to me. I also love working out and playing sports with friends like soccer, basketball, and even pickleball. This scholarship would make a significant difference in helping me pursue that goal. As I work my way through undergrad and eventually dental school, every bit of financial support helps lighten the burden and allows me to focus more fully on my studies. Beyond the financial aspect, receiving this scholarship would also affirm the hard work I’ve put in and serve as motivation to continue striving for excellence in everything I do. My long-term goal is to become a general dentist who not only provides care but also gives back to the community. Once I graduate dental school and begin practicing, I hope to find some form of mentorship, as the first few steps are often the most difficult when facing new challenges. Eventually, I plan to open my own practice where I can create a positive, welcoming environment for both patients and staff. I want my practice to reflect the values that brought me to this profession: compassion, diligence, and integrity. One of the most defining periods of my life came during my sophomore year of high school when I experienced a series of personal losses that tested me in every way. Within a relatively short time, I lost three of my grandparents and a close friend, all due to separate, tragic events. At that age, it was overwhelming to process so much grief while trying to stay focused on school and life in general. There were moments when I felt like everything was too much. What got me through that time was my faith, which helped me find purpose in pain and reminded me that I wasn't alone. I leaned on that spiritual foundation heavily, and it gave me strength when I felt empty. I also made the choice to keep working hard in every area of my life—academics, extracurriculars, and relationships. That commitment gave me structure and helped me move forward, one day at a time. It was a season of weakness, but also a time when I learned the power of resilience and perspective. Those experiences continue to shape how I handle challenges even today. Ultimately, I believe that dentistry is not just a profession, but a way to serve others and make a lasting impact. With this scholarship, I would be one step closer to making that dream a reality. Thank you for considering my application and for investing in students like me who are working toward a brighter future.

Choosing a career is one of the most significant decisions a person can make. For me, pursuing dentistry is not just a profession—it is a calling driven by a deep desire to help others, a fascination with science and healthcare, and a commitment to lifelong learning. My goal with my degree is to become a skilled and compassionate dentist who provides excellent oral healthcare while making a positive impact on my community. I believe I am a strong applicant because of my dedication to academic excellence, my genuine care for others, and my ability to stay focused and resilient in challenging situations. Dentistry uniquely combines healthcare, precision, and artistry. From a young age, I have been drawn to the sciences, particularly biology and anatomy, as they offer insight into the incredible complexity of the human body. However, my interest in dentistry specifically began after shadowing a local dentist during high school. Witnessing the blend of technical skill and patient interaction fascinated me. I saw how restoring someone’s smile could improve their confidence and quality of life, which inspired me to pursue this field. Moreover, oral health is directly linked to overall well-being. As a dentist, I want to educate patients about preventive care, help them maintain their health, and offer treatments that enhance both function and aesthetics. The field also offers continuous learning opportunities, from emerging technologies like 3D printing and laser dentistry to advancements in procedures, keeping the profession dynamic and stimulating. My primary goal is to earn a Doctor of Dental Medicine (DMD) degree and eventually open my own practice. I want to create a welcoming environment where patients feel comfortable and under safe hands. Beyond private practice, I am also interested in my impact on the community. I hope to participate in research in some facet that contributes to an area of dentistry that is not thoroughly understood. I believe I am a strong candidate for this scholarship because of my strong academic background, dedication to becoming a well-balanced person, and valuable skills I have achieved through work experience and internships. I have also developed strong communication and empathy skills through volunteer work and part-time jobs. Whether working with teammates or assisting customers, I have learned the importance of clear communication, patience, and adaptability—qualities that are essential in healthcare. A person I admire is my local dentist, Dr. John Blaich. He has been a family friend of ours for quite some time now, and the more I learn and get to know him, the more I admire him. He frequently holds fundraisers for people in our community that are need. Also, he is the reason I have a desire to become a dentist. He allowed me to job shadow him and through that experience I learned the extent to which a dentist impacts their community. Furthermore, he conducted research on infants with tongue and lip ties that causes developmental issues and pain for the mother in nursing. In the study he did not charge the patients and instead asked them to donate to St. Jude's. His kindness and fascination with dentistry has inspired me to do the same.

To me, success looks different for every person. It does not have to mean being the BEST in a certain career. Instead, I think it is creating a goal, following through with the necessary steps, and eventually achieving the goal. I don't measure success based on how much money or fame is earned. Instead, I base it on the impact I leave on the community and the people's lives I change for the better. Most peers believe how much money you make or how high your social status determines success. My definition of success is not self-centered but is based on planning, working hard, and determination while focusing on helping others.