Growing up between two worlds has shaped how I see everything around me. I was born in the United States but sent to the Dominican Republic as a baby and raised there during my early years. I returned to the U.S. at age 12, not knowing English and unfamiliar with how life worked here. That experience taught me early on what it feels like to be an outsider trying to find your place. It gave me empathy, resilience, and a deep appreciation for every opportunity that came my way. As the daughter of immigrants, I watched my parents work tirelessly just to make ends meet. Education wasn’t something they focused on—they encouraged us to graduate high school and get a job. College was never part of the conversation. Because of that, I never had the guidance or support to pursue higher education when I was younger. Now, at 33 and a mother of three, I’ve decided to change that. I’m working toward my degree to become a dental hygienist, and when I graduate, I’ll be the first person in my family to ever earn a college degree. That means everything to me. My identity has shaped me to be determined and driven. I see the world through the lens of someone who has struggled, adapted, and refused to settle. I believe my place in this world is to break generational barriers and show my children—and others like me—that we all belong in rooms we were never invited into.

As a woman and a mother of three, my passion for women’s health comes from lived experience. I had my first child at 19 years old. Navigating pregnancy and postpartum life as a young mother, with limited support and resources, opened my eyes to the gaps in women’s healthcare—especially for women of color and low-income backgrounds. I remember feeling overwhelmed, unheard, and often brushed off by providers. That experience stayed with me and shaped the way I view healthcare, not just as a service, but as a powerful form of support, advocacy, and healing. I’ve worked in dentistry for over 14 years, and while oral health may not seem directly tied to women’s health at first glance, I’ve come to understand just how deeply connected the two are. Hormonal changes during pregnancy, menopause, and menstruation can significantly affect oral health. I’ve seen patients who struggled with gum disease during pregnancy or who lacked the confidence to smile due to dental issues—all while managing the everyday weight of being mothers, caregivers, and workers. These interactions have inspired me to become more than a dental assistant. I want to be an educator and advocate, helping women feel empowered and supported through every stage of life. Now that I’ve been accepted into the Dental Hygiene program at MCPHS University, I’m on track to earn my Bachelor of Science in Dental Hygiene. My long-term goal is not only to provide clinical care, but to contribute to women’s health by offering education and resources that many women simply don’t have access to. I’d love to work with prenatal clinics, women’s shelters, and schools to spread awareness about how oral health affects overall well-being, especially during pregnancy and postpartum recovery. Personally, I’ve also become more passionate about mental health and maternal wellness, especially after experiencing the emotional challenges of raising children alone while trying to build a better future. I know what it’s like to feel like your needs come last. Through my work in healthcare, I want to remind women that they matter—and that taking care of their health is not selfish, but essential. This scholarship would help lighten the financial burden as I return to school full-time. But more importantly, it would help me continue a mission that’s deeply personal: to support, uplift, and educate women in ways I wish I had been supported when I was younger. I believe that when women are healthy—physically, emotionally, and mentally—families and communities thrive. I’m ready to be part of that change.

I had my first child at just 19 years old. While many of my peers were starting college and figuring out their next steps, I was learning how to care for a newborn and stepping into the overwhelming world of motherhood. College was no longer an option at that point—my focus was on providing for my daughter and doing whatever it took to make sure she had everything she needed. Now, 15 years later, that baby girl is a freshman in high school, and I can’t help but reflect on how far we’ve come. Raising a child as a young single mom hasn’t been easy. I’ve worked long hours, held multiple jobs, and sacrificed many personal dreams just to keep us moving forward. But through it all, I never lost sight of my desire to pursue a career in healthcare. I’ve worked as a dental assistant for over 14 years, and while I’ve gained valuable experience, I’ve always wanted more—to grow, to elevate myself, and to do something that would make my daughter proud. Today, I’m finally on that path. I’ve spent the last two years taking prerequisite courses at Middlesex Community College, and I’ve been accepted into the Dental Hygiene program at Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences for fall 2025. This isn’t just about a degree—it’s about rewriting the narrative I started at 19. My goal is to finish before my daughter graduates high school so I can show her that it’s never too late to chase your dreams. I want her to see firsthand that setbacks don’t define us, and that with determination, anything is possible. This scholarship would help relieve the financial burden that comes with going back to school full-time, especially as a single mom. More than that, it would be an investment in a future healthcare provider who is passionate, driven, and ready to make a difference. I’m living proof that timing doesn’t matter nearly as much as perseverance—and I’m ready to finish what I started.