If awarded this scholarship, I would use the opportunity to grow into a healthcare provider who not only treats illness but also educates patients in practical, personalized ways that improve both the quantity and quality of life. As a student working toward careers in both dietetics and dentistry, I am particularly interested in the intersection of cancer, diabetes, and oral health—three areas that often overlap in complex and challenging ways. Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation can lead to severe oral complications, including dry mouth and mucositis. These painful conditions make it difficult for patients to chew, swallow, and maintain proper nutrition, just when their bodies need it most to heal. I would help patients manage these side effects by recommending moist, soft, nutrient-dense meals that ease discomfort while meeting their nutritional needs. I would also educate them on maintaining gentle but effective oral hygiene routines to prevent infections and preserve oral tissue integrity during treatment. In the case of diabetes, patients face an increased risk of both systemic and oral health issues. Chronically high blood sugar levels can lead to gum disease, delayed wound healing, and oral infections, all of which affect a patient’s ability to eat and speak comfortably. In turn, poor oral health can worsen diabetes management, creating a vicious cycle. I want to help patients understand this connection and make informed choices that protect both their blood sugar control and oral well-being. I would guide them through building balanced meal plans, choosing foods that reduce inflammation, and recognizing the early signs of oral complications. My long-term vision is to open a clinic where I can offer both dental care and nutrition counseling under one roof. This space would especially serve patients managing chronic illnesses like diabetes and cancer. A unique feature of this clinic would be an on-site greenhouse where I would grow fruits and vegetables to use in cooking demonstrations and meal prep workshops. These sessions would show patients how to prepare meals tailored to their medical and oral health needs, making nutritional guidance not just theoretical, but tangible and applicable. To reinforce education beyond appointments, I would provide accessible bilingual visual guides and offer ongoing support through follow-up calls or messages. This continuous connection is vital for building confidence and ensuring patients do not feel alone in their health journeys. I also plan to provide culturally relevant care, especially for underserved communities. As a Mexican American, I understand that health guidance is most effective when it reflects a person’s traditions, values, and day-to-day realities. I would tailor my educational tools and counseling sessions to reflect the cultural backgrounds of my patients, ensuring that recommendations are both meaningful and sustainable. Ultimately, I aim to create a space where patients feel informed, supported, and capable of managing their health in practical ways. My role as a future healthcare provider will be to guide, not just treat, by offering clear, compassionate education that reflects each patient’s medical needs and everyday reality. Through personalized nutrition strategies, culturally aware counseling, and integrated dental care, I want to help individuals feel less overwhelmed and more in control of their well-being, especially during times of illness or chronic disease.

I am a first-generation Mexican American, raised by a single mother whose strength and determination have shaped the foundation of who I am. My father was not present in my life, but my mom never let that define our story. She worked tirelessly to provide a life for me that she never had, sacrificing her own comfort to make sure I had a roof over my head, food on the table, and hope for the future. Watching her navigate life with grit and resilience taught me early on that nothing in this world is handed to you—you have to go out and earn it. From a young age, my mom instilled in me the importance of working hard and seeking out my own opportunities. She taught me that rejection is not something to fear, but something to grow from. Whether it was applying to competitive programs or pushing myself outside of my comfort zone, I knew I had to fight for what I wanted. That mindset has carried me through school, work, and personal challenges. It’s helped me stay focused and grounded, even when things felt overwhelming. Her words—her actions—taught me to pursue my goals with persistence, confidence, and purpose. Being raised in a Mexican household shaped the way I see the world. I grew up surrounded by a culture of resilience, where hard work was never optional, and where creativity and resourcefulness were part of daily life. I learned how to adapt, how to stay humble, and how to keep moving forward no matter the circumstances. As a first-generation student, I’ve had to figure out a lot on my own—navigating unfamiliar systems and learning to advocate for myself without a guide. But instead of discouraging me, those experiences have fueled my drive even more. As I move forward with my goal of entering the healthcare field, through dietetics and dentistry, I carry all of this with me. I’m not just working toward degrees or titles; I’m working to build a future that reflects the strength and values I was raised with. My mom’s example taught me that determination isn’t just about ambition—it’s about consistency, grit, and self-belief. Her story is the foundation of mine, and it’s what continues to inspire me as I pursue my career goals. I want to create a meaningful career, give back to my community, and most importantly, honor my mother’s sacrifices in a way that matters. My identity as a Mexican American is the foundation of my work ethic, my resilience, and my belief that with enough determination, anything is possible.

Once I complete my career in both dietetics and dentistry, I envision building a holistic health clinic that combines dental care, nutrition counseling, and sustainable food practices. This clinic would be a physical space where I could practice dentistry while also offering one-on-one nutrition counseling, with a special focus on diabetes management and cancer care. My goal is to address health not just as a collection of separate systems, but as a unified whole, where oral health, diet, and lifestyle work together to support overall well-being. A unique feature of this clinic would be an attached greenhouse, where I can grow fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. These foods would not only serve as examples in nutrition sessions but would also be available to clients to take home. Many individuals struggle with accessing fresh produce, and by growing it myself, I hope to remove that barrier and teach clients how to incorporate healthy foods into their everyday lives. Cooking demonstrations and meal prep workshops would help them apply this knowledge practically, reinforcing healthy habits that support both oral and systemic health. Building this clinic is more than just a personal career goal—it’s a way for me to invest in my community’s health. Too often, healthcare is fragmented and reactive rather than preventative and integrated. By combining dental care with nutrition support and access to fresh foods, I want to create a space that empowers individuals to take control of their health from multiple angles. This approach will not only make a positive impact on individual lives but also foster a culture of wellness in the wider community. For me, this clinic represents the culmination of two passions—dentistry and nutrition—and the beginning of a new chapter where I can make a meaningful difference. It’s about building more than a business; it’s about building healthier lives.

Growing up with a single immigrant mother was tough, but if there was one thing my mother was sure to do every night, it was to ensure that I was healthy and always had something to eat. My mother emphasized the importance of health, not only because we couldn't afford regular visits to doctors and dentists but also because she never had someone to care for her and refused to let me experience the same pain she did. The utmost care and love she provided me has since inspired me to want to help others as well. Inspired by my mother's dedication and the challenges we faced, I am motivated to give back to my community in a meaningful way. As I enter my final year of college at the University of Texas at Austin, where I am studying nutrition science, I plan to pursue a master's degree to further deepen my knowledge before heading into dental school with the goal of opening my own clinic in the future. I envision my future clinic as a place where comprehensive care is provided, addressing both dental health and nutritional well-being. By integrating these two fields, I aim to treat and prevent oral and esophageal diseases and disorders through a holistic approach. My journey in nutrition science has taught me the profound impact that diet can have on overall health, particularly concerning oral health. Combining this knowledge with dental care allows me to offer a unique service that can significantly improve my patients' quality of life. I want to empower individuals to take control of their health through education and personalized care plans that address their specific needs. By focusing on preventive care and addressing the root causes of health issues, I hope to reduce the incidence of dental and esophageal conditions in my community. My clinic will be a place where patients feel cared for, understood, and supported in their health journey. This commitment to helping others is a direct reflection of the love and care my mother showed me, and it drives my passion for making a positive impact in the world. In summary, my educational journey and personal experiences have shaped my aspiration to create a clinic that bridges the gap between nutrition and dentistry. I am dedicated to helping others achieve better health and well-being, inspired by the sacrifices and love of my mother. Through my future clinic, I aim to make a lasting difference in the lives of my patients and my community.