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.