I still remember the day I decided that I wanted more for my future. I was sitting in the dental office where I worked, watching a patient’s entire expression change after we completed her treatment. Her smile was brighter not just because her teeth were clean, but because she felt cared for and confident again. That moment made me realize how much impact one person can have on another’s health and self-esteem. It also reminded me that if I wanted to make a bigger difference, I needed to further my education. That decision is what led me to pursue my education at a community college. Coming from a lower-class family, college was never something that was pushed or even talked about much in my home. My parents worked hard to make ends meet, and their focus was always on providing for our immediate needs, not on planning for higher education. For a long time, I thought that college just wasn’t meant for people like me. But after working in the dental field for several years as a dental assistant, I began to see that education could be my path to a better life not only for myself but for those I serve in my community. Choosing to attend community college allowed me to take that first step toward my dream in an affordable, supportive environment that understood where I came from and where I wanted to go. My experience at community college has been life-changing. It has provided me with not only the academic foundation I need to succeed but also a sense of belonging and purpose. I’ve met instructors who believe in my potential, classmates who share my goals, and mentors who encourage me to keep pushing forward. Every day in this program reinforces my commitment to becoming a dental hygienist, someone who can educate, prevent, and promote lifelong oral health. I want to use my skills to help people understand how important oral hygiene is to their overall health and to help remove barriers to care in underserved areas. My ultimate educational goal is to complete my degree in dental hygiene and become a licensed hygienist. Beyond that, I plan to continue growing through continuing education courses and possibly return to school in the future to teach or participate in public health outreach. I want to use my knowledge to give back and to inspire others who may feel that higher education isn’t within their reach, just as I once did. Choosing community college wasn’t just a practical choice; it was a defining one. It showed me that my background doesn’t have to determine my future. With hard work, determination, and support, I am proving to myself that I can rise above my circumstances and create a life of purpose. One where I can make a difference, one smile at a time.

The first time I saw a patient’s fear melt into relief after a successful dental visit, I knew I had found my purpose. As a dental assistant for the past ten years, I’ve had countless opportunities to help people overcome their fears, improve their health, and leave the office with a genuine smile. Those small but powerful moments of transformation are what inspired me to take the next step in my journey is to become a dental hygienist and make an even greater impact in my community. Working in the dental field for a decade has given me an incredible foundation of knowledge, skill, and empathy. I have assisted with everything from simple cleanings to complex restorative procedures, and through it all, I’ve seen how deeply oral health affects a person’s confidence, self-esteem, and overall well-being. I have also seen how many people neglect their oral care simply because they don’t fully understand its importance or lack access to education and preventive services. Those experiences have shaped my passion for community outreach and patient education. I believe that the key to better health starts with knowledge. And as a dental hygienist, I want to be the bridge that connects people to that understanding. Returning to school after years in the workforce has been both challenging and rewarding. As a full-time dental hygiene student, I am learning not only advanced clinical skills but also the science and communication tools necessary to educate patients effectively. This program has reaffirmed my love for dental care and my commitment to lifelong learning. My long-term goal is to work in a practice that values patient education and preventive care, while also volunteering in community programs that bring free or low-cost dental hygiene services to underserved populations. I hope to become an advocate for oral health awareness, showing others that prevention is the most powerful tool we have. Financial preparedness plays a major role in achieving these goals. Balancing the demands of full-time education with the financial responsibilities of tuition, supplies, and daily living expenses can be difficult. Like many students pursuing healthcare careers, I have had to make sacrifices and budget carefully to stay on track. Receiving this scholarship would relieve a significant financial burden, allowing me to dedicate more time and energy to my studies, clinical practice, and community involvement. It would not only support my education but also fuel my mission to give back to others through compassionate, informed care. Dental hygiene is more than just cleaning teeth—it’s about changing lives through health education, empathy, and prevention. I have spent ten years helping patients as a dental assistant, and now I am eager to take the next step, becoming the kind of hygienist who empowers others to take control of their oral health. With the help of this scholarship, I can continue building a career centered on service, compassion, and education—one that helps create healthier, happier smiles in my community every single day.

I grew up in a very religious household, I was taught from a young age that love only looked a certain way: between a man and a woman. Ordained by God, and anything outside of that was sinful, broken, or wrong. For most of my early life, I believed that message without question—because it was all I ever knew. But as I grew older, I started noticing that I didn’t feel the way I was “supposed to” when it came to the opposite sex. I didn’t understand why everyone around me seemed to so easily find their place in relationships, crushes, or even conversations about love, while I just felt... Defective. That confusion turned into guilt, and guilt quickly turned into shame. I prayed nightly for “fixing.” I would lie awake at night asking God why I felt so out of place, begging to just be “normal.” I thought I was sick, spiritually or emotionally. There wasn't a real safe space to voice these fears, not at home, not at church, and certainly not among the peers I had grown up with. The few times I hinted at my confusion, I was met with dirty looks, silence or warnings about “falling into sin.” So, I learned to stay completely silent. It wasn’t until I moved out for college that I finally had the space to reflect and begin untangling what I had internalized for so long. Away from the rigid expectations of my childhood, I was able to explore who I truly was without fear of punishment or rejection. For the first time, I allowed myself to feel love and affection on my own terms, not through someone else’s lens of morality. I learned that there is absolutely nothing wrong with loving who I choose to love, and that my identity is not a defect—it’s a strength. Still, this journey hasn’t been without its challenges. Even today, I carry some of that old fear with me—especially when I return home or interact with family who still view my identity as a disappointment. But I also carry pride, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community has shown me the power of living authentically and the importance of creating inclusive spaces for others who feel lost or alone. Choosing a path in dental hygiene may not seem, at first glance, like an obvious space for advocacy—but to me, it’s another way I can bring comfort, safety, and care to those who need it. I believe everyone deserves to feel seen and respected in all areas of life, including their healthcare. As someone who knows what it feels like to be invisible or misunderstood, I’m committed to becoming the kind of professional who makes people feel welcome in the dental chair—not judged or afraid. This scholarship represents more than just financial support. It’s a symbol of visibility and validation for people like me who have fought quietly just to feel whole. I want to honor Coty Crisp’s memory by continuing that fight with compassion, strength, and a commitment to care. I no longer believe I am sick. I am whole, I am worthy, and I am proud of the person I’ve become.

Growing up I was very embarrassed of my smile. It wasn't until I got braces that I started seeing changes in how I viewed myself. I fell in love with dentistry and saw how easy it was to love myself with the help from others. I jumped into the dental field as soon as I graduated Highschool. I have been working as a dental assistant for almost nine years, and during that time, I have had the privilege of helping people in various areas of dentistry, including general dentistry, pediatric care, and oral surgery. My experience has given me a deep appreciation for the dental field and the impact it has on people’s lives. Whether it’s providing comfort to a nervous patient, assisting in a procedure that relieves pain, or helping someone achieve the smile they’ve always wanted, I have found immense fulfillment in this career. One of the most rewarding moments is seeing a patient’s reaction after a treatment—whether it’s relief from a toothache or the confidence boost that comes with an improved smile before a major life event like a wedding or graduation. These moments have only deepened my passion for dentistry and solidified my decision to take the next step in my career. That is why I have decided to go back to school and pursue a career as a dental hygienist. While working as a dental assistant has given me valuable hands-on experience, I want to expand my knowledge and skills so I can have an even greater impact on my patients’ lives. Preventative care is a crucial part of oral health, and I believe becoming a dental hygienist will allow me to do more than just assist with procedures—it will allow me to play an active role in preventing dental issues before they start. Educating patients on the importance of oral health and how it connects to their overall well-being is something I am passionate about, and I look forward to having the opportunity to guide patients toward healthier habits. What excites me most about the dental field is the ability to make an immediate and profound difference in people’s lives. Whether it’s alleviating pain, improving someone’s confidence through their smile, or simply providing reassurance during a stressful visit, dentistry has the power to change lives in ways big and small. As a dental hygienist, I want to continue making that difference by providing compassionate, high-quality care. My goal is to not only treat patients but to empower them with the knowledge they need to maintain their oral health for the long term. Ultimately, I want to make a positive impact on the world by improving people’s quality of life, one smile at a time.