I was born in Mexico and spent the first years of my life surrounded by hard work, close family bonds, and the quiet understanding that education was a luxury—not a guarantee. When I was eight years old, my family immigrated to California, chasing a dream of better opportunities and stability. It was a difficult transition; I had to learn a new language, adapt to a completely different culture, and mature quickly to help my family navigate life in a new country. From a young age, I understood the sacrifices my parents made and knew I wanted to do something meaningful with the opportunities they worked so hard to give me. At 23, I moved to Missouri in search of a fresh start and a more affordable path to higher education. Leaving behind everything familiar was terrifying, but it was also one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. Missouri gave me the space to grow, focus, and truly dedicate myself to my passion—healthcare. Today, I am a full-time student at Ozarks Technical Community College, pursuing a degree in Dental Hygiene, while working full-time as a hygienist assistant and living off campus. I support myself financially, and though the workload can be overwhelming, I’ve never been more focused or motivated. Dental hygiene became my calling the moment I realized how much oral health impacts not just the body, but a person’s confidence, self-worth, and overall quality of life. I’ve seen people hide their smiles, skip job interviews, or avoid social events because they’re embarrassed about their teeth. As someone who once struggled with feeling invisible and out of place, I understand the emotional weight that comes with those feelings—and I want to help change that. Being bilingual and having roots in both Mexican and American cultures gives me a unique ability to connect with patients who feel unseen or misunderstood. Whether it’s speaking Spanish with a nervous patient or simply listening with empathy, I strive to be more than just a healthcare provider—I want to be someone who helps people feel safe, respected, and cared for. Once I become a licensed dental hygienist, I plan to work in Missouri’s community clinics, especially those serving low-income, immigrant, and rural populations. I want to participate in school-based programs, community outreach events, and mobile dental services to make preventive care more accessible. Beyond that, I hope to mentor young Hispanic and LGBTQ+ students who may not see themselves reflected in this field. Representation matters, and I want to be proof that your background doesn’t limit your future—it strengthens it. Receiving the Robert and Sharon Lee Memorial Scholarship would not only help relieve the financial strain I carry as a full-time student and worker, but it would also be an affirmation that my journey, with all its challenges, is meaningful. This scholarship would help me stay focused on what truly matters: giving back to my community and creating a healthier, more inclusive future—one smile at a time. Thank you for your consideration and for investing in students who are passionate about making an impact.

Growing up as a gay, Hispanic male in a small town wasn’t easy. I spent much of my childhood and teenage years hiding who I was to protect myself. I remember the whispers, the side glances, and the bullying that followed me through school hallways. The names I was called, the fear of being “found out,” and the pressure to be someone I wasn’t created a constant cloud of anxiety. At home, things weren’t any easier—I struggled with the fear that I would never be fully accepted by my family. I lived in silence for a long time, learning to smile on the outside while carrying a heavy weight inside. Despite everything, I held onto one thing: hope. I knew that life had more to offer than just survival—I wanted to thrive. And I knew that meant owning who I was, even if the world around me wasn’t always kind. Coming out was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done, but it was also one of the most freeing. I finally began to step into my truth, and that truth became the foundation for the life I’m now building. Today, I’m a full-time Dental Hygiene student at Ozarks Technical Community College. I also work full-time as a hygienist assistant and support myself while living off campus. It’s exhausting, but it’s worth every ounce of effort. I’ve found joy in helping others feel confident and cared for, especially patients who feel nervous or judged in medical settings. As someone who knows what it feels like to be “othered,” I make it a point to create a safe space for everyone who sits in my chair. Whether they’re LGBTQ+, Hispanic, non-English-speaking, or simply anxious, I want them to know they matter. My identity as a gay man is something I’m proud of—not something I hide anymore. But that pride came with a price: emotional wounds, broken friendships, and years of internal struggle. Still, I’ve learned to turn pain into purpose. Every time I show up as my authentic self, every time I speak Spanish with a patient who feels misunderstood, every time I succeed in a space where I wasn’t always welcomed—I create change. Receiving the Coty Crisp Memorial Scholarship would mean more than financial support. It would be a powerful reminder that LGBTQ+ students like me belong in healthcare, in leadership, and in spaces where compassion matters. I’m not just studying to become a dental hygienist—I’m becoming the person I needed when I was younger: visible, kind, and unafraid to be who I am. Thank you for honoring Coty’s memory by uplifting students like me. Your support would help me keep moving forward—not just for myself, but for the communities I serve.

Being a first-generation, Mexican-American college student is more than just a title to me—it’s a mission rooted in the sacrifices and resilience of my family. My passion for earning a degree comes from a desire to break cycles, honor my roots, and create lasting change for my community and future generations. My parents immigrated to the United States with nothing but hope and a determination to provide their children with opportunities they never had. Growing up, I saw them work long hours in physically demanding jobs, often sacrificing their own needs so that I could have food on the table and a chance at an education. Although they didn’t finish school themselves, they constantly reminded me that education was the one tool I could use to change my life. Their words, their sacrifices, and their love have become the foundation of my drive. Today, I am a full-time student at Ozarks Technical Community College, majoring in Dental Hygiene, and I work full-time as a hygienist assistant. I also live off-campus and fully support myself. Balancing school and work has not been easy, but it’s shaped me into someone who is focused, determined, and resilient. I’ve learned how to push through exhaustion, how to stay organized, and how to keep going even when things get difficult—because I know who I’m doing this for. As a bilingual student, I’ve been able to connect deeply with Spanish-speaking patients who often feel nervous or unheard in dental settings. I take pride in being able to comfort them, explain procedures in a language they understand, and show them that they matter. This experience has only deepened my desire to become a dental hygienist—not just to clean teeth, but to advocate for people in my community who don’t always feel seen. Being a first-generation student means I’ve had to navigate college life on my own—applying for financial aid, understanding course requirements, and managing the pressures of adult life without a roadmap. But it’s also taught me that I’m capable of doing hard things, and that I’m building a new path for those who come after me. Receiving this scholarship would not only ease the financial burden that comes with tuition and living expenses, but it would also be a reminder that my story matters. It would be an investment in someone who is committed to creating impact through education, compassion, and perseverance—just like José Melendez did. Thank you for considering my application.

When I was younger, my mom avoided the dentist for years because she didn’t feel comfortable speaking English. I remember translating for her as a teenager during appointments, watching how scared and uncomfortable she felt - and how relieved she was when someone finally spoke to her in Spanish. That experience stuck with me. It’s what inspired me to pursue a career in dental hygiene - not just to clean teeth, but to care for people like my mom who need someone they can trust. I’m currently a full-time student at Ozarks Technical Community College majoring in Dental Hygiene. At the same time, I work full-time as a hygienist assistant, gaining hands-on experience and building relationships with patients. Being bilingual has helped me connect with Spanish-speaking patients who are often overlooked or misunderstood. My goal is to become a licensed dental hygienist who not only provides excellent care but also advocates for equity and comfort in oral health settings. Balancing a full-time job and a full course load hasn’t been easy. I live off-campus and support myself financially, which often means choosing between paying bills and buying required materials for school. Despite these challenges, I’ve remained focused and committed, keeping up strong grades and continuing to grow professionally. Every day, I’m working to prove to myself - and to my community - that this dream is possible. Financial preparedness is essential to reaching my educational and professional goals. This scholarship would significantly reduce my financial burden, allowing me to focus more on my clinical training and academic success. More importantly, it would serve as a reminder that my efforts are seen and supported by others who believe in my potential. Receiving this scholarship wouldn’t just help me - it would help every patient I’ll care for in the future. Thank you for considering my application and for investing in students who are passionate about making a difference.