The smell of rubbing alcohol and wet fur used to cling to me after every shift, but I wore it like a badge of honor. I was 20 years old, working as a veterinary assistant in a busy animal hospital, and it was the first time I truly understood what it meant to be part of a community. I wasn’t just cleaning kennels or calming scared pets. I was showing up for people during their hardest days. What I didn’t know then was how much this experience would shape my hope for the future and teach me what community really means. One afternoon, an older woman came in holding her dog wrapped in a blanket. Her hands were shaking. Her dog had been her companion for 13 years and was now suffering. I had helped with euthanasias before, but this one hit differently. The woman didn’t have anyone with her. I sat beside her, holding her hand, while she whispered goodbye. I didn’t say much, just listened and stayed close. Afterward, she hugged me and said, “Thank you for not letting me do this alone.” That moment changed me. I realized that being part of a community isn’t always about grand gestures. Sometimes, it’s about showing up, holding space, and simply being there. Throughout my life, I’ve found myself drawn to those quiet moments of service, whether I was dispatching pest control teams and helping customers stay calm during emergencies, volunteering to walk dogs on weekends, or supporting coworkers through tough days. I’ve worked in many jobs that revolved around people, problem solving, and compassion. Each role, no matter how small it seemed, helped me understand that community is built through consistent kindness and shared experiences. What being part of a community has taught me is that connection creates resilience. There were times I doubted myself, when money was tight, when I felt overwhelmed by balancing work, bills, College, and life responsibilities, but seeing how others leaned on each other and how I could be part of that support system reminded me that I’m never truly alone. That’s what gives me hope for the future, not just my own ability to push through hard times, but the way people come together to lift each other when it matters most. One of the most meaningful ways I’ve contributed to my community is simply by leading with empathy. As a team lead in customer service, I often had to manage fast paced, stressful situations while making sure everyone, clients and coworkers felt heard and respected. I didn’t always have the answers, but I stayed grounded, kept communication open, and tried to be the person people could count on. That taught me that leadership doesn’t come from a title, it comes from how you treat people, especially in tough moments. Now, as I work toward a new chapter, pursuing a career in healthcare, I carry all of these lessons with me. I want to continue building community through care, education, and understanding. Whether it’s calming a patient during a dental visit, mentoring someone going through school like I am, or simply being someone who listens, I believe that small acts of kindness have the power to create real change. Community has given me strength when I needed it the most, and now I want to give that strength back. It’s taught me that even when the world feels uncertain, there is always something we can give, our time, our kindness, our presence. That’s where true resilience lives, not in doing everything alone, but in lifting each other up together.

The day I got the call that I was hired for a full-time job while preparing to take college classes felt like a victory, but it also felt like standing at the edge of a mountain I had to climb. I knew it wouldn’t be easy. I was managing household responsibilities, working full time, and preparing to return to school, all while facing the pressure of paying off $18,000 in debt. I could have delayed school again. I could have said, “It’s too much.”, but I didn’t. I chose to push through, and that decision has changed the way I see myself. There were so many moments where it would have been easier to give up. I was waking up early to feed my pets, going to work from 10 AM to 7 PM, then coming home to study, clean, cook, and try to fit in a few minutes of rest. The days felt long, and the doubts crept in, but every time I wanted to quit, I reminded myself of why I started.!I want to build a future in healthcare where I can make a real impact on people’s lives. I kept going, even when I was exhausted. That’s what overcoming obstacles looks like for me, not a single big moment, but hundreds of small decisions to keep showing up for myself. Leadership isn’t always about being the loudest voice in the room, it’s about setting an example through action. I’ve worked in many roles where leadership meant staying calm in chaos, helping others solve problems, or being the person people could rely on. As a team lead in customer service, I supported technicians and clients, helped manage scheduling issues, and made sure everyone felt heard and valued. In every job I’ve had, whether in a veterinary clinic or at a busy restaurant, I’ve tried to lead with patience, empathy, and integrity. I believe leadership is about lifting others while staying grounded yourself. Applying for this scholarship is another example of choosing to rise instead of retreat. I’m not where I want to be yet, but I’m doing everything in my power to get there. I’ve overcome financial stress, self doubt, and burnout, not because I had to, but because I believe in my future, and I want that future to include helping others find their strength, too, and I’m not giving up, I will continue running until I succeed.

The first time I ever stepped foot on a soccer field, I was nervous and shy. I wasn’t sure if I belonged there or if I was good enough, but something inside me told me to try anyway, and that one step changed everything. Over time, I found confidence in sports, and in myself. I believe I’m a “You Got It Girl” because I never let fear stop me from showing up, working hard, and growing stronger, even when things get hard. I’ve learned that having heart, discipline, and a positive mindset can take you far, not just in sports, but in life. This scholarship would help me stay focused on my goals and continue growing into the best version of myself. I’ve played both soccer and cheerleading for two years, and they’ve taught me so much about teamwork, responsibility, and leadership. Through these sports, I’ve earned several awards that I’m really proud of, like the Leadership Award, Player of the Week, and the Winning Spirit Award. Each one means something different to me, whether it was for motivating my team, performing under pressure, or never giving up. Sports have helped me come out of my shell and become someone who lifts others up while still pushing myself to be better every day. One challenge I faced was doubting myself in the beginning. I didn’t have a lot of experience, and I was scared of messing up in front of others, but instead of quitting, I kept showing up. I practiced after school, asked for feedback, and supported my teammates. Slowly, I built confidence and realized that mistakes aren’t failures they’re lessons. That mindset helped me not only improve in sports but also believe in myself off the field and outside of cheer practice. Every time I fall, I get back up stronger, and that’s what makes me proud. Someone I admire deeply is my older sister. She graduated with her associate degree and was also active in sports. Watching her balance school, sports, and life inspired me. She always stayed focused, stayed kind, and never gave up on her goals, even when things got hard. Her determination shows me what’s possible when you commit to your future and keep going. She’s my role model and a reminder that I can do anything I set my mind to. This scholarship would support me in so many ways. It would help cover school costs, but even more than that, it would give me the encouragement to keep going to know that others believe in me too. I’m working hard every day to chase my dreams and build a future I’m proud of, and this support would make a huge difference in that journey. Thank you so much for reading my story and considering me for the YGIG Scholarship. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and I’m even more excited for what’s ahead.

When I was little, I used to cry every time I had a dentist appointment. I was terrified. The sound of the tools, the bright lights, and just being in the chair made me want to run away. But no matter how scared I was, my mom always made sure I went. As a single mom raising two daughters after my parents divorced, she didn’t have much,but she made sure we never missed our six-month cleanings. It’s funny now, because the thing I once hated has become the career I’m most passionate about. Growing up, we didn’t have everything, but my mom always prioritized our health. We had cavities here and there as most kids do, and I remember how she would encourage us, even when she couldn’t afford to get her own dental work done. Her teeth were in bad shape, but she still made sure ours were taken care of. That kind of sacrifice stuck with me. It showed me what it means to care deeply for others, even when it’s hard. Over time, my fear of the dentist changed into curiosity. I started to notice how kind the hygienists were and how much they helped ease people’s fears including mine. I realized I wanted to be like them. I want to be the person who makes someone feel safe and comfortable when they walk into the dental office, especially if they’ve had bad experiences or are embarrassed about their smile. I want to help people like my mom, people who put off dental care because they’re scared or don’t feel like they deserve it. Becoming a dental hygienist is more than just a job to me. It’s personal. I’ve seen firsthand how oral health affects confidence, health, and quality of life. I want to educate patients, support them, and make sure they feel seen and cared for, whether they’re little kids like I once was, or adults who haven’t smiled in a while because they’re ashamed of their teeth. This scholarship would mean the world to me. I’m working hard to pay for school while managing life as an adult, and this support would help lighten the financial load. More importantly, it would bring me one step closer to helping people like my mom, and showing others that going to the dentist doesn’t have to be scary. Thank you for considering me. I hope to take the fear out of dentistry, one patient at a time.