Dr. Kim is my first black healthcare provider, but she is more than just my healthcare provider. She is a member of Delta Sigma Theta, Inc. She is a loving mother, a counselor, a supporter, an influence, a true role model. She is a woman of substance. She leaves her mark on those in and outside of the office. My orthodontist being a black woman sparked a drive in me. That representation was what I needed to be confident someone like me can hold such a rewarding, respectable role. My orthodontist lights up smiles each and every day. She treats her patients with quality care that goes a long way. Whenever I leave an appointment my smile shines brighter, knowing that my oral health is improving, and I am closer to having the smile I desire. I aspire to be like Dr.Kim, an individual of substance. I aspire to be an individual who gives back to my community in some way, shape, or form. A major aspiration of mine after completing my undergraduate degree at Depaul University is to become a dentist and makeup artist. I enjoy helping others by making them feel better about themselves. I am a firm believer in when you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you do good. One may think, “dentistry and makeup? Where is the correlation?” Well, I love hands-on work and aesthetics. These are both key principles of dentistry as well as makeup. I have always loved doing makeup for myself and others. Makeup is therapeutic and a true form of art. There is nothing better than seeing someone’s face light up after they have gotten done up. Moreover, I am passionate about oral health. My community, the black community, is the racial/ethnic group that has the poorest oral health due to various disparities. I am beyond blessed to have access to oral healthcare. It is my duty to pass it forward. I plan to serve and give back to my community by making everyone look good on the outside and inside. That way they will feel good, moving them to do good. With the help of my role models like Dr. Kim and supporters at DePaul, and even donors, I can reach many. I will spread my value of taking care of oneself and looking good. As a result, the community within and outside of DePaul will be filled with brighter, contagious smiles.

I aspire to be an individual of substance, one who gives back to my community in some way, shape, or form. A major aspiration of mine after completing my undergraduate degree at Depaul University is to become a dentist and makeup artist. I enjoy helping others by making them feel better about themselves. I am a firm believer in when you look good, you feel good, and when you feel good, you do good. While my first quarter at DePaul was rocky, I've quickly gotten back up on my feet blossoming this Spring quarter. One thing I admire about myself is my self-awareness and resilience. These character traits let me know I can achieve anything I put my mind to. Upon doing some searching, I found great resources provided by DePaul. One of these resources is TriO. TriO has given me a space to connect with individuals who share similar backgrounds and goals as me. TriO has blessed me with peers and mentors who believe in and support me. Having such a great support system has pushed me to excel in my studies and all areas of life. One may think, “dentistry and makeup? Where is the correlation?” Well, I love hands-on work and aesthetics. These are both key principles of dentistry as well as makeup. I have always loved doing makeup for myself and others. Makeup is therapeutic and a true form of art. There is nothing better than seeing someone’s face light up after they have gotten done up. Moreover, I am passionate about oral health. My community, the black community, is the racial/ethnic group that has the poorest oral health due to various disparities. I am beyond blessed to have access to oral healthcare. My orthodontist was my first black healthcare provider. My orthodontist being a black woman sparked a drive in me. That representation was what I needed to be confident someone like me can hold such a rewarding, respectable role. My orthodontist lights up smiles each and every day. She treats her patients with quality care that goes a long way. Whenever I leave an appointment my smile shines brighter, knowing that my oral health is improving, and I am closer to having the smile I desire. It is my duty to pass it forward. I plan to serve and give back to my community by making everyone look good on the outside and inside. That way they will feel good, moving them to do good. With the help of DePaul’s support resources and multiple student group organizations, I can reach many. I will spread my value of taking care of oneself and looking good. As a result, the community within and outside of DePaul will be filled with brighter, contagious smiles.