I didn’t grow up with regular dental visits. I grew up watching my loved ones endure pain with no access to care—pulling their own teeth, masking discomfort with painkillers, or simply suffering in silence. That reality shaped me. It made dental hygiene more than a career path—it made it my purpose. Coming from a large family in a low-income neighborhood, I learned early what it meant to go without. Oral health was considered a luxury, not a necessity. I wanted to change that, not just for myself, but for people like my siblings, neighbors, and community members who deserved to smile without pain or embarrassment. That’s what first inspired me to pursue a career in dentistry, and it’s what continues to drive me as I work toward becoming a licensed dental hygienist. After earning my EFDA certification, I spent six years working in general, pediatric, and surgical dentistry. I saw firsthand how preventable conditions often turned into emergencies—and how a little education and compassion could make a huge difference. Volunteering at events like the Mom-n-PA free dental clinic reaffirmed my passion. People camp out overnight just to be seen. Those are the people I want to serve—not just with instruments and x-rays, but with time, dignity, and trust. Now, I’m in dental hygiene school full-time, while working two jobs, paying rent, covering utilities, managing credit card debt, and trying to stay financially afloat. I’ve used my tax refund for tuition, and I rely on food stamps to eat. And still—I show up every day focused, prepared, and determined to finish strong. My grades reflect my commitment. My work ethic proves my why. This scholarship wouldn’t just lighten my financial burden—it would multiply my capacity to give. It would allow me to continue my clinical training without constant fear of falling behind. And it would bring me one step closer to my dream: becoming a travel temp hygienist and eventually opening a staffing agency to help other professionals like me find balance, opportunity, and purpose in this field. Dental hygiene saved me. It gave me a future I didn’t know I could have. With your support, I’ll keep pushing forward—and I’ll make sure I bring others with me.