My journey into dentistry began with curiosity. Nearly three years ago, as I sat back in my dentist’s chair preparing to be anesthetized, I turned to my dentist and asked, “Could you explain to me what you’re doing throughout the treatment?” Without a pause Dr. de Gaust agreed and proceeded to explain every instrument, material, and reason behind each step during the procedure. By the end of the appointment I was awestruck; in the span of an hour she had used principles of anatomy, physiology, chemistry, pharmacology, and art to clear out the decay in my tooth and restore its structure as if no work had been done. All of the confusion I had surrounding possible career choices dissipated, because in that moment I knew that I wanted to be a part of the multifaceted field that is dentistry. Dentistry is a field that will award me a multitude of educational and outreach opportunities. With those opportunities I anticipate coming up against numerous expenses. I am seeking out scholarships because I want to dedicate myself to my education and becoming the best clinician for the next four years without being burdened with worrying about my finances or accumulating debt.

• High Aims Mentor

  Dentistry · UCLA Advanced Academic Program

  Jan 2024 – Present

• Student Assistant

  Childcare · Early Childhood Education Program

  Jan 2017 – Jan 2018

• Hygiene Coordinator

  Dentristry

  Jan 2020 – Jan 2021

• Site Supervisor

  Intramural Sports · University of California- Intramural Sports

  Jan 2018 – Jan 2020

• Dental Assistant

  Dentistry

  Jan 2021 – Jan 2022

• Volunteering
• Philanthropy
• Entrepreneurship

• Volleyball

  Varsity

  2013 – 2016

• Student surveyor

  UCLA Pediatric Dentistry Clinic · Dentistry

  2024 – Present

  Research topic:

  Effects of adverse childhood experiences on oral health

• Clinic Volunteer

  Volunteering · Sacramento County

  2020 – 2020

  Mission:

  Aid healthcare providers in administering COVID-19 vaccinations

• Peer Health Educator

  Volunteering · Peer Health Exchange

  2018 – 2020

  Mission:

  Facilitate health based workshops and dicussions

• Health Educator

  Volunteering · Bay Area Scientists in School

  2019 – 2020

  Mission:

  Create hands-on science based lesson plans

• Volunteer

  Volunteering · UCSF Benioff Pediatric Rehabilitation Center

  2018 – 2019

  Mission:

  Ensure cleanliness of center and occasionally assist during therapy sessions

• Undergraduate Student Instructor

  Volunteering · UC Berkeley Physiology Department

  2017 – 2017

  Mission:

  Assist in reviewing and teaching class concepts

• Executive Committee Officer

  Volunteering · American Red Cross

  2017 – 2018

  Mission:

  Oversee and plan campus-wide blood drives