As a Black woman pursuing a career in dental hygiene, my identity has shaped every step of my academic and professional journey. In a field where Black women make up less than 4 percent of practicing dental hygienists, simply existing in these spaces is an act of perseverance. I often find myself navigating classrooms, clinics, and professional environments where I am the only person who looks like me. That reality has been both isolating and motivating, forcing me to develop resilience early and remain committed even when I feel unseen. Being underrepresented is not just about numbers. It shows up in subtle ways, in the lack of mentors who share my lived experience, in the pressure to outperform peers to avoid being underestimated, and in the emotional labor of constantly proving that I belong. Financial barriers have added another layer to this journey. Balancing school, work, and personal responsibilities has required sacrifices that many of my peers have not had to make. Despite this, I have remained focused on my education because I understand what is at stake, not just for myself, but for the communities I hope to serve. My experiences have made me acutely aware of the gaps that exist in healthcare. I have seen how a lack of cultural understanding and representation can affect patient trust, communication, and outcomes. Too often, patients from marginalized backgrounds feel dismissed, misunderstood, or fearful in clinical settings. As someone who understands these experiences firsthand, I am determined to be a provider who leads with empathy, patience, and respect. I want my patients to feel seen, heard, and safe, especially those who have historically been overlooked. This path has not been easy, but it has given me purpose. Every challenge I have faced has strengthened my commitment to advocacy and excellence. I am not pursuing dental hygiene solely as a career, but as a way to create change. I want to be visible in a profession where representation is scarce, to mentor future students, and to show Black women that they belong in healthcare spaces, not as exceptions, but as leaders. Receiving the Kim Moon Bae Underrepresented Students Scholarship would provide meaningful support as I continue my education. More importantly, it would affirm that my experiences matter and that my presence in this field is valued. I intend to use my education to uplift underserved communities, reduce disparities in oral healthcare, and contribute to a profession that better reflects the diversity of the patients it serves.

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.