My name is Kiary C., and I am currently finishing my first semester at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS University), where I am pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Dental Hygiene. My expected graduation date is May 2028. I have worked as a dental assistant for over 14 years, and this next step represents a lifelong dream of becoming a licensed dental hygienist. My passion for oral health care has grown over the years, and I am excited to continue expanding my knowledge and skills to make a meaningful impact in my community. As a single mother, my journey through higher education has been far from easy. Balancing school, family, and financial responsibilities requires constant strength, organization, and sacrifice. There are days when I wake up before dawn to get my children ready for school, attend classes, study late into the night, and still make sure I’m present for them emotionally. I’ve had moments of exhaustion and doubt, but I’ve also discovered a resilience I didn’t know I had. I’ve learned how to push through challenges—whether it’s managing childcare conflicts, dealing with financial stress, or staying focused through sleepless nights. My children are my motivation; they inspire me to keep going even when it feels impossible. I want them to see that no matter what life throws your way, you can still achieve your goals through hard work and determination. One of the biggest obstacles I’ve faced has been finding balance. As a single parent, there’s no one else to fall back on financially or emotionally. Every tuition payment, every hour of study time, and every long commute is something I’ve had to plan carefully. But through it all, I’ve remained committed to my education. Maintaining a 3.8 GPA while managing a household and raising children on my own has been one of my proudest accomplishments. It reminds me that perseverance pays off, even when progress feels slow. Once I finish my degree, my goal is to become a registered dental hygienist and eventually work in community or public health settings, where I can help underserved populations access quality dental care. I also dream of mentoring future dental hygiene students and possibly becoming an instructor later in my career. My long-term goal is to continue growing within the dental field while providing a stable, inspiring life for my children. This scholarship would greatly ease the financial burden that comes with being a single parent and full-time student. It would allow me to focus more on my studies and clinical training instead of worrying about how to afford the next semester. Most importantly, it would serve as a reminder that my hard work and persistence are worth it — that I’m not alone in this journey. I am determined to create a better future not only for myself but for my children and the patients whose lives I will one day help improve through compassionate dental care.

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.