I have always been a goal oriented, plan driven person. I decided in my early teens that become an orthodontist was my ultimate career goal, but this plan was hijacked by events out of my control because of a traumatic event which lead to a dark period of depression, anxiety, and the need to pivot from what I had planned out. Junior year of high school I was introduced to West-Mec, a trade oriented program my high school partners with. I immediately joined the two year dental program and have been able to learn the basics, explore real life cleaning and polishing techniques and practices on my friends and family, but also a chance to explore some state certifications and testing to have in my pocket upon graduation. As part of this program I have volunteered at free dental clinics for the state's homeless population which has provided some insight in how my assistance with dental care will provide confidence and success to people who need some light in their life. I was able to come up with a carrier and educational plan with my counselor's and was focused and on track to hit all the goals we had set. This same year in October 2023 I was involved in a very high speed t-bone wreck that resulted in a lot of physical pain and injury. The airbags went off and I hit my head on the window. As the year progressed, my mental health changed as did my memory, and eventually I was diagnosed with a concussion, TBI, and struggled with my emotions and ability to learn and remember the many details of high school and dental school. Shortly after the wreck I faced a state certification test in coronal polishing techniques and because of the memory and concentration issues I was unable to pass that test. It was a major failure and interruption of my plan that I had laid out years before. This was the turning point of the realization that I needed help. I sought help from therapists, teachers, medical professionals, and my family to learn and implement new strategies to continue to strive towards my ultimate goal of the dental field. My mental health started to take priority in my life, resulting in at least weekly counseling sessions followed by journaling, reading, and more time for general reflecting in order for me to move towards a positive outlook to overcome the many obstacles I was suddenly facing. During the year of struggle, my various relationships were greatly affected and I had to learn what was for me and who was supporting instead of hindering my recovery. It was difficult and I continue to seek advice and help to maintain the progress I have made in self awareness as well as relationships that are helpful versus hurtful. I've had to alter the way I study, remember, recall, and react to every aspect of life after this event but I've come out on top. I was able to eventually pass a state radiology exam and obtain a certificate in my field. This has boosted my motivation and belief in myself. The strategies that I was taught and equipped with have helped me overcome the fear of set back with the TBI and I believe with a little extra work I can reach any goal. Although my TBI is not "over" and may never be, the struggle to overcome has been a life lesson I will take with me and know anything is possible to overcome with a little belief and practice. I have made great strides in the way I approach my mental health and have been giving many tools to access when needed. I still have many goals and the plan for my education, although it has changed to a more finance and business oriented goal, I know I can do it. I am currently enrolled at the University of Arizona and have access to many resources, including mental health counselors, that are helping stay on track for my new vision, albeit different, I know I am strong enough to meet these challenges now. I believe what I have gone through has made me a more empathetic friend and listener and have often become someone my friend group comes to for advice now that they saw I overcome the darkness and am still working to be better every day.

I was in a traumatic car accident in October of 2023 that offered both physical and mental health challenges but I've managed to come out on top. Fast forward to the past two years of medical appointments, testing, physical and mental health counseling, I have the full picture of my physical and mental health that I will have to endure forever. Ultimately, I was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury, PTSD, memory loss, depression, and anxiety along with other permanent physical ailments. I've battled daily and have many coping strategies at my fingertips to help endure the future. I wouldn’t say this was a blessing in disguise, but it definitely has brought out the worst and best parts of me. The anger of having to endure a lifetime of issues after something that was not my fault has been a tough battle. I found myself in an internal battle of depression and anxiety that greatly affected my relationships and how I treated and interacted with others and myself. Having to endure the physical and mental challenges for both junior and senior years of high school changed my outlook and goals in many ways. I was ready to fail - having accepted that this would be my fate. My mother was a daily advocate for my strength and medical team. The support and relationship of my dental assisting teacher was instrumental in helping me overcome the embarrassment and step up to the challenges of having goals and being able to overcome those goals despite what was happening. I opened up to my teacher early in senior year to divulge everything that happened after having been pulled aside for attendance, participation, and grade conversations. I didn't want to burden others with my challenges before this time and had accepted my failure. With the help of my mom and counselor, I understood that it was okay to let others know the story behind the struggle. Ms. Ehrman was more than welcoming and accepting of the situation. She immediately took action, offering extra assistance in, before, and after class with personal study sessions. She invested time in me to help with the major upcoming radiology test that would allow me to earn an Arizona certification to be able to perform X-rays at a dental office. She believed in me when I didn’t even believe in myself. Ms. Erhman got me in touch with the right departments and set up an IEP plan which helped to make educators aware of the issues and allowed additional resources to become available. This sparked my drive to continue to get better. I have sought the help of counseling and strategies for coping with my struggles. I have the tools in my toolbox and know how to use them. I believe I have been able to rebuild the relationships that suffered during my battle and it has changed my outlook of others. I am now more empathetic and understanding when people have a major life event. I believe my therapy has given me the ability to offer help to others who are struggling but have not sought help. I believe my ability to openly talk now can help encourage others that therapy is not a dirty word and is truly helpful. I am overjoyed with the encouragement and help I received and how I've been able to come out on the other side of a very tough battle. My outlook on life leans mostly towards the positive, but when it doesn't, I have those tools to take out of my toolbox and get to work.

My future career path is not entirely clear. I'm interested in healthcare and business. My ultimate goal is to own a business that helps others in some manner. I became interested in healthcare and the dental field while a teenager. When I was given the referral to an orthodontist at 15, I was a nervous teen scared about the pain ahead. However, in my care over the next year with my orthodontist's office, it became clear to me that the hygienist was the reason my experience was pleasant and painless. This immediately became a career choice I wanted to explore. During my junior year of high school, I was introduced to West-Mec, a trade-oriented program my high school partners with. I immediately joined the two-year dental program and have been able to learn the basics and explore real-life cleaning and tooth-polishing techniques. I was given the chance to practice on my friends and family. This has given me a chance to earn state certifications such as radiology (I can give you your dental x-rays!). As part of this program, I have volunteered at free dental clinics for the state's homeless population which has provided insight into how my assistance with dental care can provide confidence and success to people who need light in their lives. Through this program, I had an externship and was given an opportunity to see the business and day-to-day activities of staff. The externship experience fueled my desire to become a business owner, whether in the medical field or another area. I want to be at the helm of an employer that teaches, helps, and earns a profit that can be used for many positive endeavors. I am passionate about helping others from homelessness to adoptable pets. The ultimate goal I have is to marry both my passion and my ability to make a living into something that I am excited and proud to wake up and go to every morning. My plan to pay for education is through borrowing and scholarships where possible. I also intend to pay down this debt while obtaining my education through part-time work and/or work studies as available. My parents are going to assist where they can with financing, but scholarships are a necessity for me to obtain a quality education. There is no doubt I am going to college and getting a degree, but the ability to pay for that will determine if I am able to explore any education beyond the first four years. The less debt I have for my undergraduate degree, the more likely I will be able to explore education that will allow me to be a successful but mindful business owner in the future. The impact of my education and eventual business on the community at large is what drive's me right now. I want to help others (and animals) in any way I can - whether it be medical needs, food, housing, clothing, or just some friendly advice. I am not sure what kind of business can encompass all these things yet, but I'm up for the challenge and have my eyes set on the future - for myself and for all those seeking answers and a little help to be able to nudge them towards their dreams too.

My future career path is not entirely clear. I'm interested in healthcare and business. My ultimate goal is to own a business that helps others in some manner. I became interested in healthcare and the dental field while a teenager. When I was given the referral to an orthodontist at 15, I was a nervous teen scared about the pain ahead. However, in my care over the next year with my orthodontist's office, it became clear to me that the hygienist was the reason my experience was pleasant and painless. This immediately became a career choice I wanted to explore. During my junior year of high school, I was introduced to West-Mec, a trade-oriented program my high school partners with. I immediately joined the two-year dental program and have been able to learn the basics and explore real-life cleaning and tooth-polishing techniques. I was given the chance to practice on my friends and family. This has given me a chance to earn state certifications such as radiology (I can give you your dental x-rays!). As part of this program, I have volunteered at free dental clinics for the state's homeless population which has provided insight into how my assistance with dental care can provide confidence and success to people who need light in their lives. Through this program, I had an externship and was given an opportunity to see the business and day-to-day activities of staff. The externship experience fueled my desire to become a business owner, whether in the medical field or another area. I want to be at the helm of an employer that teaches, helps, and earns a profit that can be used for many positive endeavors. I am passionate about helping others from homelessness to adoptable pets. The ultimate goal I have is to marry both my passion and my ability to make a living into something that I am excited and proud to wake up and go to every morning. My plan to pay for education is through borrowing and scholarships where possible. I also intend to pay down this debt while obtaining my education through part-time work and/or work studies as available. My parents are going to assist where they can with financing, but scholarships are a necessity for me to obtain a quality education. There is no doubt I am going to college and getting a degree, but the ability to pay for that will determine if I am able to explore any education beyond the first four years. The less debt I have for my undergraduate degree, the more likely I will be able to explore education that will allow me to be a successful but mindful business owner in the future. The impact of my education and eventual business on the community at large is what drive's me right now. I want to help others (and animals) in any way I can - whether it be medical needs, food, housing, clothing, or just some friendly advice. I am not sure what kind of business can encompass all these things yet, but I'm up for the challenge and have my eyes set on the future - for myself and for all those seeking answers and a little help to be able to nudge them towards their dreams too.

I am an 18 year old high school senior who is graduating this year and making plans to further my education and career through any resource available with the goal of minimal loans taken where possible. My career path of choice in the future is dental hygienist which is not not your normal "trade" but one I am very excited to explore in my future. When I was given the referral to an orthodontist at 15, I was a nervous teen scared about the pain ahead, however in my care over the next year with my orthodontist's office it became clear to me that the hygienist was the reason my experience was pleasant and painless. This immediately became a career choice I wanted to explore. Junior year of high school I was introduced to west-mec, a trade oriented program my high school partners with. I immediately joined the two year dental program and have been able to learn the basics, explore real life cleaning and polishing techniques and practices on my friends and family, but also a chance to explore some state certifications and testing to have in my pocket upon graduation. As part of this program I have volunteered at free dental clinics for the state's homeless population which has provided some insight in how my assistance with dental care will provide confidence and success to people who need some light in their life. My future plan is to use my hygienist trade to explore orthodontics and be that smiling face to teens who are nervous for this time in their life. I plan to keep volunteering when possible in the free dental clinics and making people smile where ever I can. I have planned to keep borrowing/financing down in the future for my college and dental schooling by obtaining a part time position, preferably within a dental office to gain experience, while I am going through the higher education post high school. My parents are going to assist where they can with financing, but scholarships are a necessity for me to consider post graduate education - namely Carrington Dental College. Carrington is my ultimate goal because I have heard the experience gained by attending this program is like no other and their connections to employers and intern/externships are like no other programs. I've been influenced by my family dentist, my orthodontist, and my West-Mec teacher to keep pressing forward and find any means necessary. I have many family members who have and are currently serving in the military from great grandparents, grandparents, and now my two most favorite first cousins. I see them as strong, heroic characters in my life but who are fighting for every opportunity I have and have been given in my life. I have considered the possibility of looking at the military myself but am on the college track at the moment, but have not ruled out service.

I am an 18 year old high school senior who is graduating this year and making plans to further my education and career through any resource available with the goal of minimal loans and a dental career. My career path of choice in the future is dental hygienist which is not not your normal "trade" but one I am very excited to explore in my future. It is a field of science and fits into the STEM arena. I enjoy science and biology and my personal experience with a dental office has guided me towards this choice for my path. When I was given the referral to an orthodontist at 15, I was a nervous teen scared about the pain ahead, however in my care over the next year with my orthodontist's office it became clear to me that the hygienist was the reason my experience was pleasant and painless. This immediately became a career choice I wanted to explore. Junior year of high school I was introduced to West-Mec, a trade oriented program my high school partners with. I immediately joined the two year dental program and have been able to learn the basics, explore real life cleaning and polishing techniques and practices on my friends and family, but also a chance to explore some state certifications and testing to have in my pocket upon graduation. As part of this program I have volunteered at free dental clinics for the state's homeless population which has provided some insight in how my assistance with dental care will provide confidence and success to people who need some light in their life. This same year in October 2023 I was involved in a very high speed t-bone wreck that resulted in a lot of physical pain and injury. The airbags went off and I hit my head on the window. As the year progressed, my mental health changed, memory, and eventually I was diagnosed with a concussion, TBI, and memory issues. I've sought much much care and therapies to continue to improve. Shortly after the wreck I faced a state certification test in coronal polishing techniques and with the memory and concentration issues I was unable to pass that test. I sought help from therapists, teachers, medical professionals, and my family to learn and implement new strategies to continue to strive towards my ultimate goal of the dental field. I've had to alter the way I study, remember, recall, and react to every aspect of life after this event but I've come out on top. I was able to eventually pass a state radiology exam and obtain a certificate in my field. This has boosted my motivation and believe in myself. The strategies that I was taught and equipped with have helped me overcome the fear of set back with the TBI and I believe with a little extra work I can reach any goal. My future plan is to use my hygienist trade to explore orthodontics and be that smiling face to teens who are nervous for this time in their life. I plan to keep volunteering when possible in the free dental clinics and making people smile where ever I can. Although my TBI is not "over" and may never be, the struggle to overcome has been a life lesson I will take with me and know anything is possible to overcome with a little belief and practice.

I am an 18 year old high school senior who is graduating this year and making plans to further my education and career through any resource available and to gain as much work experience during my education that I am able. My career path of choice in the future is dental hygienist which is not not your normal "trade" but one I am very excited to explore in my future. When I was given the referral to an orthodontist at 15, I was a nervous teen scared about the pain ahead, however in my care over the next year with my orthodontist's office it became clear to me that the hygienist was the reason my experience was pleasant and painless. This immediately became a career choice I wanted to explore. Junior year of high school I was introduced to west-med, a trade oriented program my high school partners with. I immediately joined the two year dental program and have been able to learn the basics, explore real life cleaning and polishing techniques and practices on my friends and family, but also a chance to explore some state certifications and testing to have in my pocket upon graduation. As part of this program I have volunteered at free dental clinics for the state's homeless population which has provided some insight in how my assistance with dental care will provide confidence and success to people who need some light in their life. My future plan is to use my hygienist trade to explore orthodontics and be that smiling face to teens who are nervous for this time in their life. I plan to keep volunteering when possible in the free dental clinics and gaining as much experience as possible. I have planned to keep borrowing/financing down in the future by obtaining a part time position, preferably within a dental office, while I am going through the higher education post high school. My parents are going to assist where they can, but scholarships are a necessity for me to consider post graduate education - namely Carrington Dental College. Carrington is my ultimate goal because I have heard the experience gained by attending this program is like no other and their connections to employers and intern/externships are vast. I've been influenced by my family dentist, my orthodontist, and my West-Mec teacher to keep pressing forward and find any means necessary to create happiness and fulfillment in my career path and I will keep striving to find ways to learn and explore. I will be going to college and getting a degree, but the ability to pay for that will determine if I am able to explore post education or Carrington. Either path that comes to me, I am excited to make a difference in my field. I am excited to learn and to make the experience of others having to go through dental procedures similar to mine in that I am not fearful of the dentist and actually enjoy going. Thank you, Launa Waugh

I am an 18 year old high school senior who is graduating this year and making plans to further my education and career through any resource available with the goal of minimal loans taken where possible. My career path of choice in the future is dental hygienist which is not not your normal "trade" but one I am very excited to explore in my future. When I was given the referral to an orthodontist at 15, I was a nervous teen scared about the pain ahead, however in my care over the next year with my orthodontist's office it became clear to me that the hygienist was the reason my experience was pleasant and painless. This immediately became a career choice I wanted to explore. Junior year of high school I was introduced to west-med, a trade oriented program my high school partners with. I immediately joined the two year dental program and have been able to learn the basics, explore real life cleaning and polishing techniques and practices on my friends and family, but also a chance to explore some state certifications and testing to have in my pocket upon graduation. As part of this program I have volunteered at free dental clinics for the state's homeless population which has provided some insight in how my assistance with dental care will provide confidence and success to people who need some light in their life. My future plan is to use my hygienist trade to explore orthodontics and be that smiling face to teens who are nervous for this time in their life. I plan to keep volunteering when possible in the free dental clinics and making people smile where ever I can. I have planned to keep borrowing/financing down in the future for my college and dental schooling by obtaining a part time position, preferably within a dental office to gain experience, while I am going through the higher education post high school. My parents are going to assist where they can with financing, but scholarships are a necessity for me to consider post graduate education - namely Carrington Dental College. Carrington is my ultimate goal because I have heard the experience gained by attending this program is like no other and their connections to employers and intern/externships are like no other programs. I've been influenced by my family dentist, my orthodontist, and my West-Mec teacher to keep pressing forward and find any means necessary to create happiness and fulfillment in my career path and I will keep striving to find ways to learn and explore. I will be going to college and getting a degree, but the ability to pay for that will determine if I am able to explore post education or Carrington which is why I've submitted an application here. The less debt I have for my undergraduate degree, the more likely I will be able to explore my trade school of choice.

I was in a major car wreck in October of 2023 and was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury. This has impacted my ability to recall and remember events and topics that I've already learned and experienced. This has affected both junior and senior year of high school and brought challenges I've not expected to have to overcome but am doing it. I've learned to use my resources at school and lean on friends, teachers, and online communities that I previously wasn't aware existed. This has taught me to have compassion and understanding for others with learning disabilities that I previously did not fully understand. I plan on studying biology at university and going on to dental school for dental hygienist. Part of my college research is looking for campuses that have resources, groups, and tutors for me to access and use in order to set myself up for success in the college world. I will be consistent with my studies and time in order to succeed. The dental field is important to me because I believe helping people with their smile gives them more confidence in themself. I believe people are often judged for their appearance at no fault of their own and I'd like to help people take that stress out of their situations. When I was 15 I got braces and my orthodontist and his assistant listened to my concerns about my appearance and were able to walk me through the entire experience resulting in more confidence. My experience with that office helped shape the career path I chose because they treated my concerns with seriousness and didn't over talk or ignore me only because I was a teenager. I was grateful for these interactions. My orthodontist and his staff made the job look fun and not like a job at all, everyone is always happy to be there. I hope to continue to make an impact on my community by doing acts of community service such as the free dental clinic that I have been part of now for two years through my program at West-Mec. I enjoy seeing how grateful the public is when we help restore their dental issues and how thankful they are for even just an hour of my time. Some of these people in the free clinic have disabilities that have gone untreated or undiagnosed for years and the ability to connect with these people, even if for a short time, to make them feel seen and heard is a rewarding experience.

I have made many small goals in order to eventually make the larger overall goal for my life. My career goal is to become a dental hygienist. I plan to graduate with as much experience as I can gain but with as little debt as possible. In order to achieve these goals I have made a multi step plan and am already taking steps towards this goal. During high school I have been taking courses at a tech high school to earn the foundation of learning and gain some externship experience as well as hands on practice with other students and family members. This experience is very rigid with attendance and grades and very serious which has prepared me for what I expect the seriousness of college will be. This has allowed me to gain enough knowledge into the dental field that I know this is the career path for me. Prior to accepting any college admission, I am researching the costs and funding each campus may award its prospective students in order to lessen the gross amount of financing I may require. I have narrowed it down to a handful of options and am comparing each campuses individual opportunities and scholarships in order to make that final decision. I am researching on campus vs shared apartment expenses weekly in the rea of the prospective colleges. I have been applying for scholarships weekly both nationally and locally trying to get awarded as many big or small scholarships as possible. During my college years, I plan to find a part time job hopefully within the dental field to gain experience and assist with my expenses of college life, hoping that any funding I had to obtain is minimal and this part time job can help with any expenses I do not need to add to the loans. My plan is to also take more than the minimum number of courses per semester in order to hopefully shorten the amount of time I will need to attend college to earn the same degree- this should decrease the overall cost if I can manage to save a semester or two of housing costs. These small steps are part of the bigger goal of becoming a dental hygienist who has a the smallest debt possible. My mom always says little things are big things so we are making small moves towards the bigger goal. This is how I'm moving forward with college and beginning with the end in mind.

Losing a family member is never easy but the life lessons taken from that situation have changed my life and how I endure daily challenges. I lost my Grandpa (my mom's dad) in 2016 and even though I was only 12 years old, it has had a great impact on my life. He was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and we lost him in about 120 days after the diagnosis. It was short and painful to watch, but ultimately seeing the process has changed me forever. My Grandpa was someone I saw every few days - we lived two blocks away from the day I was born until we moved to Arizona when I was 7 years old. When we moved across the country we kept in touch with phone, Facetime and visiting every few months. We we had a great bond from the beginning is what my Mom said. He taught me many things - he took me fishing, he took me to the farm he worked at and cared for the animals, he helped me learn how to use tools and fix things - he was a very great teacher about every day life. He always included me in things that were learning opportunities where possible. He taught me to be confident and how to talk to any person from any kind of background. He overcame many struggles in life including an addiction and was an example that the future can always be brighter as long as you work for it. The example of his love and dedication to his wife and children is one that I strive to have in my life and will not settle for less than this great example I saw. The biggest lesson I learned was about my faith and believing in the bigger picture of life - being confident that the plan may not be mine but is the right plan. Up until his last day his faith did not waiver despite a very painful pancreatic cancer- this had a big impact on my faith and the ability to know and trust my God. I have become more prayerful and faithful as a result of the loss. I miss him every day but I use the lessons he gave me every day. Loss is not easy but I am grateful that he was able to give me an example of a great man in life and also through the death. I await the day I will see him again.

My personal experience over the last year has lead to some challenges with mental health as well as victories over those challenges and feelings of accomplishment that I was unaware was possible before a recent situation that I have overcome. I was involved in a traumatic t-bone car wreck in 2023 on my way home from my part-time job. As a result of someone else's inattention I lost a car I worked very hard to find and pay for as well as my physical and eventually mental health. Over the course of this last year I've navigated various medical appointments, time away from school/work/home as a result, and physical pain and challenges. These sudden and quick changes resulted also in some mental health challenges and struggles. I sought help through my parents as well as medical professionals and have managed to find coping strategies that work for me to help me handle these challenges and continue to set goals and reach achievements that I at one time thought were beyond my abilities. During this experience I have learned to be more empathetic towards others in their life experiences as what may seem like an easy situation to handle may not be so to others. I have learned to talk through any issues openly and honestly while at the same time lending my advice (and ears) to others who have decided they can open up to me about their situations. I believe my relationship with my parents, friends, and even medical providers have grown stronger in my ability not only to share what is going on but to teach those I interact with how to also assist others struggling. Although the wreck took its toll on me, I believe I would not have been able to see those around me who are struggling in a different light as I do now. This will translate into my future as an adult and eventually a patient caregiver as I want to have a career in the dental field. This field is riddled with patients who have anxiety and mental health issues thinking of only attending an appointment. I believe my past situations will help guide me through these future situations with patients in the workplace.