As a first-generation Mexican American, higher education both excites and frightens me. My goal has always been to support my parents, who come from a community with inadequate health insurance. Their ambition for a better life is what inspired my foray into the medical industry. Due to inadequate insurance, my mom didn't have the means to correct her smile, like I did. This made me realize I wanted to pursue dentistry so I could help people like my mom feel confident in their smiles. Although having braces fixed one problem, it unraveled many others, including a period of bullying that tested my self-esteem. It was during this challenging time that I found a guide who not only helped me overcome the difficulties of wearing braces but also molded my will to become a dentist. During my journey with braces, I met my orthodontist, who was always kindhearted. We would catch up and talk about school and my future aspirations. Shortly after our first meeting. I expressed my initial desire to be a dentist, but then I questioned if I should stop there or go the extra mile. The more I bonded with him, the more he taught me about the field, and the more I realized that I wanted to specialize in orthodontics. As time went on, I learned to appreciate my smile as well as my own abilities. After taking off my braces I discovered that confidence is the key to everything, which helped me realize that everything and that every obstacle is an opportunity for growth. The increased self-confidence that came with my beautiful smile eliminated my fear of showing the world who I am. My new-found appreciation manifests in my daily life, as it makes me realize that I should value every single thing and every single moment that is given to me. It has allowed me to break out of my shell and do things that I was once afraid to do. Recently, I learned that my district was offering a dentistry program but for logistical reasons my school wasn’t able to access this program. Younger me would have taken it as a sign that it wasn’t meant for me, but after all these years that I have now gained confidence to push forward. Instead of giving in or giving up, I plan to keep fighting for this program to happen in my school so that in the future people like me can have this opportunity that I wasn’t able to have. One day, I wish to have my own dental practice where the mission is to provide those without access to adequate healthcare, quality dental care. I know of many people who don’t have the opportunity to have braces because they aren’t able to afford it or they just don’t have good enough health insurance. I want to see my mom smile in the mirror with the same confidence I now have. Perhaps I can have the wonderful opportunity to mentor patients like my doctor did for me. One never knows the impact of relationships, and I hope that with my orthodontist specialty, I will be part of the journey for other patients like me. I hope that my patients can see a light just like I saw a light when my doctor was there to listen to me. Now I look back and realize that my braces serve as a reminder of my journey so far and where I hope it leads. It turns out that my teenage nightmare was the stepping stone to my young adult college dream.