As a first-generation college student, wife, and mother of three, my decision to pursue a career in STEM is grounded in purpose. I chose this path not only out of passion for science and technology but also out of a deep desire to create a more equitable and inclusive future in healthcare. I am currently pursuing a Doctor of Dental Medicine degree, and every step I take is shaped by the belief that women have a critical role to play in shaping the future of science and medicine. Throughout my academic journey, I have faced numerous obstacles. I returned to school later in life while working full-time in leadership roles, raising children, and supporting my family. Many people assume that STEM fields are reserved for those with uninterrupted academic timelines or traditional backgrounds. My story challenges that assumption. I believe our industry needs voices that reflect the full spectrum of human experience. Women like me bring more than just academic excellence. We bring empathy, resilience, and the ability to juggle complexity under pressure. My goal is to improve access to oral healthcare in underserved communities by leveraging technology and innovation. I am particularly interested in building systems that streamline care for patients who are often overlooked. I envision creating tools that help dental providers identify coverage barriers early, develop low-cost diagnostic technologies, and offer personalized prevention strategies through mobile platforms. These tools will not only help patients but also ease the burdens on healthcare workers who are passionate about doing more but often face structural limitations. Representation in STEM matters deeply. When young girls do not see women who look like them in labs, clinics, and executive roles, they internalize the belief that these spaces are not meant for them. I want to be part of changing that. I want to lead in my field and use my platform to mentor and uplift the next generation of women in STEM. I believe we do not need to choose between family and ambition. We deserve environments that allow us to thrive in both. This scholarship would not only provide financial support but would also affirm my place in this field. It would help reduce the pressure of balancing tuition with my responsibilities as a parent and allow me to dedicate more time to community outreach, research, and leadership initiatives. More importantly, it would reinforce the message that nontraditional paths are still powerful and worthy. I am pursuing a career in STEM because I want to be apart of the change. I want to drive innovation, break barriers, and use science to make people’s lives better. I want to show my daughters and other young women that knowledge is power and that they have a right to take up space in any field they choose. I am ready to lead with curiosity, courage, and compassion.

Balancing work and caregiving has been one of the most defining—and challenging—experiences of my life. As a wife, mother of three, and full-time dental student, I’ve spent years navigating how to be fully present for my family while pursuing a demanding academic and professional path. This balancing act has tested my endurance, deepened my resilience, and ultimately shaped the kind of dentist I aspire to become. Throughout college, I worked full-time while raising my children. My days started before dawn and ended long after bedtime routines. I’d squeeze in study time between shifts or during moments of quiet at home, always strategizing how to make every hour count. These weren’t just exercises in time management—they were lessons in sacrifice, focus, and grit. When I started dental school, the stakes grew even higher. The curriculum demanded constant preparation, and clinic days often ran long. Yet, home still needed me—homework help, dinner, bedtime stories, and sometimes just a listening ear. While it’s been difficult, these dual responsibilities have equipped me with a unique skill set. I’ve learned to be efficient with my time, to advocate for my needs, and to be flexible without compromising quality. I’ve leaned heavily on my support system—my husband, mentors, and family—because I know I can’t do this alone. I’ve also learned to show myself grace on the tough days, when something has to give, and perfection isn’t possible. These experiences have given me a clear vision of what I want in my future dental career. I’m not just aiming to be a skilled clinician; I want to create a space that understands and accommodates the real lives of working families. I understand firsthand how hard it can be to schedule appointments around work, school pickups, or limited childcare. My goal is to build a practice that offers flexible hours, transparent communication, and a welcoming environment for families of all backgrounds. More than anything, I want to be a resource and role model for others who may feel like they have to choose between family and ambition. Especially for young women—particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds—I want them to see that it’s possible to pursue a demanding career while raising a family. Caregiving has not limited me; it has shaped my compassion, strengthened my resolve, and made me more aware of the needs of others. The journey hasn’t been easy, but it has been meaningful. Balancing work and caregiving has taught me endurance, empathy, and purpose. These aren’t just life lessons—they’re the foundation of the kind of provider and leader I aim to be.

Resilience in the Face of Challenges: My Journey Back to School Returning to school as a wife, mother of three, and dental student has been one of the most challenging yet rewarding experiences of my life. Pursuing my dental degree is not just about personal achievement—it is about setting an example for my children, honoring my sacrifices, and proving that it is never too late to chase one’s dreams. However, this journey has not been without obstacles. From balancing responsibilities to overcoming self-doubt and academic struggles, I have faced challenges that have tested my resilience in ways I never imagined. Balancing School, Motherhood, and Work One of the greatest challenges has been managing time effectively. Unlike many of my classmates who can dedicate their full attention to school, I am also responsible for raising three children while working as needed in dental offices as a front desk assistant or chairside assistant. My days begin early and often do not end until late at night. Between preparing my children for school, attending lectures, studying, and picking up shifts when needed, my schedule leaves little room for rest. To overcome this, I have had to develop strict time management strategies, set clear priorities, and rely on a strong support system. My family, friends, and mentors have played a crucial role in helping me balance my commitments. I have also learned the importance of self-compassion—understanding that while I may not always achieve perfect balance, my dedication and perseverance will ultimately lead to success. Struggles with Retention and Study Techniques Returning to an intense academic environment after years in the workforce required significant adjustments. The volume of information in dental school is overwhelming, and I quickly realized that traditional study methods were not working for me. Retaining vast amounts of material while managing exhaustion posed a significant challenge. To adapt, I sought alternative learning strategies that would allow me to study more efficiently. I incorporated active recall techniques, digital flashcards, and structured study sessions into my routine. Additionally, I used educational tools such as Quizlet for memorization, ChatGPT to simplify complex topics, and recorded lectures to review material while performing daily tasks. These strategies helped reinforce difficult concepts and allowed me to retain information more effectively despite my demanding schedule. Overcoming Self-Doubt and Imposter Syndrome As a first-generation college student and a Black woman in STEM, I have faced moments of self-doubt and imposter syndrome. There were times when I questioned whether I truly belonged in dental school, especially when the coursework became overwhelming. The pressure to succeed, combined with the weight of expectations, often felt daunting. However, I reminded myself of my purpose and the reason I embarked on this journey. I sought guidance from mentors, connected with peers who shared similar experiences, and reaffirmed my commitment to my goals. With time, I have learned to recognize my achievements, acknowledge my progress, and embrace the fact that I am more than capable of succeeding in this field. Looking Forward Despite the challenges, returning to school has been one of the best decisions of my life. Every obstacle I have faced has strengthened my determination, resilience, and adaptability. My journey is a testament to the idea that no matter the circumstances, pursuing education and personal growth is always possible. With each exam I pass, each skill I master, and each patient interaction I experience, I move closer to my ultimate goal of becoming a dentist who serves and uplifts others. The path has not been easy, but the challenges I have overcome have only reinforced my commitment to this profession and my future.

Breaking Barriers: My Journey to Higher Education Education has always been more than just a pathway to a career—it is the key to breaking generational cycles, achieving stability, and creating opportunities for my family and community. As a first-generation college student, pursuing higher education was never just an option; it was a necessity. It is my chance to honor the sacrifices of my parents, particularly my immigrant mother from Haiti, who worked tirelessly to provide a better future. My journey to college was not easy, but my resilience, preparation, and commitment to excellence have shaped me into the person I am today. Why Higher Education Growing up, I saw firsthand what it meant to struggle. My mother, who immigrated to the United States from Haiti, worked relentlessly to provide for our family, often taking on multiple jobs. Despite her sacrifices, she always emphasized the importance of education, even when opportunities seemed out of reach. As a child, I was fascinated by science and healthcare, but access to quality resources was limited. I realized that pursuing higher education would not only allow me to follow my passion for dentistry but also put me in a position to help others who, like me, lacked access to proper healthcare. My goal is to become a dentist and eventually open a practice in an underserved community—one where children and families don’t have to suffer due to a lack of dental care. Higher education is also about representation. As a Black woman in STEM, I want to break barriers in a field where diversity is still lacking. I want young girls from backgrounds like mine to see that they, too, can achieve success in dentistry and beyond. Balancing Work, School, and Family Unlike many of my peers, I did not have the privilege of focusing solely on school. I worked full-time while in college to support myself and my family, often balancing school, jobs, and personal responsibilities simultaneously. This experience taught me time management, perseverance, and self-discipline—skills that prepared me for the challenges of higher education. Seeking Out Mentors and Resources Navigating the college application process without family guidance was overwhelming. I had to seek out mentors, research financial aid, and advocate for myself. I reached out to teachers, counselors, and community programs that supported first-generation students. These mentors provided guidance on scholarships, application essays, and career planning, ensuring I was prepared for the next step. Developing Strong Study Habits As someone with limited time, I had to find creative ways to learn effectively. I relied on Quizlet for memorization, ChatGPT for breaking down complex topics, and study groups for collaborative learning. These strategies helped me thrive academically, even when the coursework became intense. Overcoming Self-Doubt Being a first-generation student often comes with imposter syndrome—the feeling that I don’t belong in certain spaces. I had moments where I questioned whether I was truly capable of succeeding in dental school. However, I reminded myself that my hard work, determination, and passion got me to where I am today. I refused to let doubt define me, and instead, I embraced the challenge with confidence. Looking Ahead higher education has transformed my life, and I am determined to use my knowledge to make an impact in the field of dentistry and my community. My journey has been challenging, but it has also shaped me into a resilient, ambitious, and compassionate future dentist. I hope to inspire others who, like me, come from backgrounds where college isn’t always a given. I want to prove that no matter the obstacles, education can be the bridge to a better future.

At 5 a.m., my day begins—not with studying, but with packing lunches, signing permission slips, and making sure my three children are ready for their day. By 6 a.m., I’m out the door, arriving at school two hours early to study before lectures. By evening, I’m on the sidelines at my kids’ games, cheering them on, and later, I’m helping with homework before finally opening my own textbooks late at night. I am a full-time mother, a full-time dental student, a wife, and a first-generation college graduate. My life is a constant balancing act, but giving up has never been an option. Growing up in a low-income immigrant household, I watched my parents sacrifice everything to give me opportunities they never had. That instilled in me an unshakable work ethic and a deep sense of responsibility. Since high school, I’ve worked while attending school, and even now, I take on per diem shifts to help support my family while navigating one of the most challenging academic journeys of my life. The road to dental school was not easy. At 30, I completed my undergraduate degree while working full-time in demanding leadership roles. Now, at 31, I am tackling dental school with the same relentless determination. The long nights, the exhaustion, the sacrifices—they are all worth it because I refuse to let my circumstances dictate my future. Balancing motherhood, marriage, and a rigorous academic program requires discipline, resilience, and sacrifice. I never miss my children’s school meetings, games, or sports events because I want them to know that while I am pursuing my dreams, they are still my greatest priority. There are nights when I sleep for only a few hours and mornings when I push through exhaustion just to stay ahead in my studies. But I remind myself daily why I started this journey: to create a better future for my family and serve my community as a compassionate, knowledgeable dentist. Despite the demands of school and family life, I have remained dedicated to my professional growth. My leadership experience has shaped me into a problem-solver, mentor, and advocate. These skills will serve me well in my career, ensuring I provide exceptional care while uplifting those around me. Becoming a dentist is more than just a personal goal—it is my way of giving back. I understand the struggles underserved communities face in accessing quality healthcare, and I hope to be part of the solution. I want to ensure financial barriers never stand in the way of someone’s health and well-being. This scholarship is not just financial aid—it is an investment in a future dentist who knows the value of resilience and education. With this support, I can continue pushing forward, ensuring my struggles today become my family’s strength tomorrow.