Helping others with their mental health has become an important part of my journey, both personally and professionally. As someone who has faced anxiety, ADHD, and the challenges of improving my own well-being, I know how deeply mental health affects every part of life—including oral health. Because of my experiences, I’ve naturally become someone classmates turn to when they’re overwhelmed, anxious, or struggling with time management. I check in with them, share what’s worked for me, and often recommend therapy, breathing techniques, or tools for executive dysfunction. It’s become second nature to approach others with patience, care, and understanding. In dental hygiene school, I’ve realized how often our role overlaps with emotional support. We’re not just cleaning teeth—we’re often the first people patients open up to. We learn to recognize when someone is withdrawn, overwhelmed, or struggling. Patients may come in ashamed about the state of their mouth, and we are trained to meet them with empathy, not judgment. We’re taught to listen, validate, and recommend support where appropriate—whether that’s a simple breathing technique to manage dental anxiety or suggesting they speak to a therapist or psychiatrist when they share deeper struggles. Depression and neurodivergence can show up clearly in oral health. I’ve seen how some patients can’t bring themselves to brush their teeth during depressive episodes, or how ADHD can create barriers to following routines. Instead of lecturing, we’re taught to meet people where they are and offer realistic, compassionate solutions—like setting reminders, using visual cues, or breaking routines into smaller steps. These small moments of care can make a huge difference. In the future, I plan to use my career in dental hygiene to continue being a source of emotional support. I want my patients to feel safe and seen, not just as mouths to treat, but as whole people. I hope to work in community health or hospital settings where mental health challenges are more common, and where compassionate providers are most needed. Supporting others emotionally is not a separate part of healthcare—it’s at the heart of it. As a future dental hygienist, I’m proud to be part of a profession that understands that and makes space for it every day.

I didn’t always know I wanted to be a dental hygienist. For a long time, I struggled with my direction in life. I grew up dealing with obesity—I was over 300 pounds by middle school—and I carried a lot of shame and low self-esteem because of it. On top of that, I was constantly bullied for how I looked. These experiences took a major toll on my mental health and made it hard for me to imagine a future I could be proud of. After high school, I decided to pursue a degree in music education because it was something I felt confident in. But once I started student teaching, I realized that career path wasn’t right for me. Around the same time, I began dealing with anxiety, panic attacks, and extreme difficulty focusing—something I had struggled with since childhood but never addressed. I finally saw a psychiatrist and was diagnosed with ADHD and anxiety. That moment changed everything. With therapy and the right medication, I began to feel clear-headed and capable for the first time. I started developing healthier habits, and over time, I lost 180 pounds. As I focused on my health, I developed a deep appreciation for healthcare and how it can truly transform lives. I began researching different careers, and when I found dental hygiene, something clicked. It combined all the things I was looking for—science, hands-on work, one-on-one patient care, and the chance to make a real difference in people’s lives. I completed my prerequisites, applied, and was accepted into the program on my first try. Since entering the dental hygiene program, I’ve maintained Dean’s List status and committed myself fully to becoming a skilled and compassionate provider. I’ve also volunteered at Team Smile, The Reynolds Home, and the El Paso Fighting Hunger Food Bank. These experiences helped me understand how important it is to treat people with dignity and meet their basic needs. Oral health is often overlooked, yet it has a huge impact on someone’s overall well-being—and I want to be part of changing that. Dental hygiene school is challenging, both academically and financially. Between PPE, instruments, textbooks, and board fees, the expenses add up quickly. I had to stop working due to my demanding clinic schedule, which has made finances even more difficult. Receiving this scholarship would help relieve some of that burden and allow me to continue focusing on my education without constant financial stress. My goal is to serve my community through excellent, patient-centered care and possibly pursue a bachelor’s in dental hygiene or public health after graduation. I hope to work in hospital settings one day, where preventive dental care is often overlooked, and advocate for better access to care for underserved populations. This career has already given me so much purpose. With the support of this scholarship, I can continue moving forward and become the hygienist I’ve worked so hard to become. Thank you for considering my application.

I’m committed to becoming a dental hygienist who serves the El Paso community with excellence. My vision goes beyond clinical practice—I want to expand the role of dental hygienists, especially in hospital settings where many patients go without oral care. Integrating hygienists into healthcare teams can greatly improve outcomes, particularly for vulnerable and underserved populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals. My path to dental hygiene has been shaped by both physical and mental health challenges, along with my identity. I’ve known I was gay since the first grade, but growing up, I struggled to accept myself. I was also overweight—by middle school, I weighed 300 pounds. I was bullied constantly for both my size and sexuality. That pain followed me through school, deeply impacting my self-esteem and mental health. After high school, I pursued a music education degree because it felt like my only strength. I spent three years in that program before realizing during student teaching that it wasn’t the right path. Around the same time, I began reflecting on lifelong struggles with focus, motivation, and impulsive behavior. I remembered learning about ADHD as a kid and even bringing it up to my mom—but it was brushed off. During the pandemic, I hit a low point. I began experiencing panic attacks, severe health anxiety, and depressive symptoms. I finally saw a psychiatrist, and I was diagnosed with ADHD and generalized anxiety disorder. Starting treatment, including medication and therapy, changed everything. My mental clarity and emotional regulation drastically improved. I started making better choices, particularly around food—something I had previously used for comfort and stimulation. Over time, I lost 180 pounds. I gained confidence. I started dating someone I genuinely connected with. Most importantly, I discovered a passion for health care. As I began learning more about medicine, I became fascinated with how science, empathy, and communication intersect in patient care. I discovered dental hygiene and immediately knew it was the right fit. I wanted to be in healthcare without the emotional toll of life-or-death situations. I completed my prerequisites and was accepted into the dental hygiene program on my first try. I’ve maintained Dean’s List standing and am proud of my academic performance. This journey hasn’t been easy. Balancing a rigorous program, clinic hours, and financial strain—especially without the ability to work—has been challenging. But my mental and physical wellness is what has kept me going. Therapy taught me coping strategies, mindfulness, and self-discipline. Prioritizing my health has given me the foundation to show up every day, fully present for my patients and classmates. Being LGBTQ+ adds another layer to my story. Many of us grow up navigating stigma, bullying, or lack of family support. Healthcare settings aren’t always inclusive. These experiences have made me more empathetic and driven to be a provider who affirms and advocates for all patients, especially those who have felt unseen or judged. I want to help make dentistry—and all of healthcare—a more inclusive space. After graduation, I hope to pursue a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene or public health, and possibly dental school later on. I want to grow not only as a clinician, but as a voice for compassionate, inclusive care in our community. Mental and physical wellness gave me my life back. I want to use that life to care for others—especially those who feel like they don’t fit the mold. Thank you for considering my application.

I’m fully committed to becoming a dental hygienist who serves the El Paso community with excellence. While my education has prepared me for clinical practice, my vision extends beyond that—I want to expand the role of dental hygienists, particularly in hospital settings where many patients go without proper oral care. By integrating hygienists into interdisciplinary care teams, we can dramatically improve health outcomes for vulnerable populations. Maintaining a 4.0 GPA throughout my prerequisites earned me a spot on the President’s List, and I’ve continued that academic excellence in the dental hygiene program, maintaining Dean’s List standing. These honors reflect my deep commitment to mastering both the science and the art of dental hygiene. I study not just for grades, but to provide the highest quality care possible. Volunteering has shaped my perspective as a future healthcare provider. At Team Smile, I experienced the joy of applying my skills to help children access care. At The Reynolds Home shelter, I connected with children on a personal level—even buying Nike shoes for a child whose sponsor couldn’t attend. These experiences reminded me that dental care goes beyond clinical procedures—it’s about human connection. Similarly, packaging food at the El Paso Fighting Hunger Food Bank reinforced my belief that true health includes access to basic needs. I’ve consistently taken on leadership roles—organizing microbiology projects, serving as a clinic assistant, leading sectionals in a music ensemble, and coordinating study groups for classmates. I’ve found my strength in patient education, taking time to explain preventive care in accessible terms and always respecting concerns about treatments like fluoride. When patients have questions, I respond with evidence-based guidance while honoring their autonomy. My journey hasn’t been without challenges. I’ve balanced rigorous academics with family responsibilities, including caring for my young niece when my sister travels for work. I’ve also worked through anxiety with counseling and self-discipline—developing the resilience I know I’ll carry into my career. The financial burden of dental hygiene school is significant—PPE, instruments, typodonts, board exams, and licensure fees add up quickly. My intensive clinic schedule makes it impossible to work, placing a real strain on my finances. This scholarship would offer critical support as I complete my education and prepare to serve our community. After graduation, I plan to pursue a bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene or public health—and potentially apply to dental school. My ultimate goal is to grow not only clinically but also as a leader and advocate who can bring change to underserved communities. I aim to be a dental hygienist who leads with empathy, skill, and service—someone who strengthens both our profession and the El Paso community. Thank you for considering my application.

I was six when I first visited the dentist, terrified by TV shows that portrayed dental offices as scary places with evil people and frightening machines. My heart raced as I waited, but it wasn't a dentist who called me - it was a dental hygienist. Her kindness as she showed me her tools and explained everything put me at ease. I left thinking how cool her job seemed, and that day changed everything for me. From then on, I knew I wanted to be a hygienist too. This goal has driven me through school, always pushing me to work harder. Now, I've been accepted into a dental hygiene program, and I couldn't be more excited. My journey from that nervous kid to an aspiring hygienist shows how one positive experience can shape a career. At 20, I shadowed a local hygienist to learn more about the profession. I saw her treat a patient with gingivitis, combining compassion, education, and proper care to help reverse the condition. This eye-opening experience solidified my career choice. I realized that good oral health contributes to overall well-being, and a skilled hygienist can improve not just a smile, but potentially someone's whole health. Knowing how competitive dental hygiene programs are, I worked hard on my prerequisites, maintaining a 4.0 GPA. Getting accepted on my first try was a huge achievement for me. One of my teachers, who worked with a non-profit, often shares stories about providing care to diverse communities. Her experiences have inspired me to want to contribute to accessible oral healthcare programs for those without insurance or financial means. My ultimate goal is to graduate, become a hygienist, and help my hometown of El Paso, TX, and maybe other communities in the future. However, dental hygiene school is expensive, especially when considering the costs of loupes, manikins, and tools. This scholarship would be a significant help in achieving my goals. I'm passionate about dental hygiene because it combines science, healthcare, and the opportunity to make a real difference in people's lives. I want to be that friendly face that puts nervous patients at ease, just like the hygienist did for me years ago. I'm excited to learn the latest techniques and technologies in oral care, and to use that knowledge to educate patients about the importance of oral health. In the future, I hope to not only work in a traditional dental office but also to volunteer my skills in community outreach programs. I believe everyone deserves access to quality oral care, and I want to be part of making that a reality. This scholarship would be a crucial stepping stone on my path to becoming a dental hygienist. It would ease the financial burden of my education, allowing me to focus more on my studies and less on how to pay for them. With this support, I'll be better equipped to achieve my dreams and give back to my community through compassionate, skilled dental care.

The Covid-19 pandemic has been a challenging time for everyone, and my experience was no different. As a UTEP music education major, I found myself struggling to cope with the sudden shift to online classes and the loss of opportunities to perform with my fellow musicians. The isolation and uncertainty of the lockdown took a toll on my mental health, and I found myself struggling with anxiety and depression. Despite these challenges, I refused to let my mental health struggles hold me back. In fact, I managed to achieve a major accomplishment during this time - I won the UTEP symphony 2021-2022 concerto competition. This was an incredible achievement for me, and it showed me that even in the face of adversity, I can achieve great things if I persevere. However, it wasn't until I was diagnosed with ADHD in the summer of 2022 that everything became clear to me. For years, I had been labeled as a "bad" kid and struggled with a binge eating disorder and my weight. Growing up in a Mexican household, mental health was often stigmatized and my family believed that ADHD was a made-up condition. But after doing my own research, I realized just how real ADHD was and made an appointment with a psychiatrist. Unfortunately, I struggled to find the right psychiatrist who would understand my condition and provide me with the appropriate medication. I faced stigmatization from some psychiatrists who saw me as a drug seeker rather than a patient in need of help. However, I persisted in my search and eventually found the right psychiatrist who understood my needs and provided me with the necessary medication. Since then, I have been stable and have felt better than ever. Not only has medication helped me manage my ADHD symptoms, but it has also helped me manage my anxiety disorder. As someone who was always scared of school shootings during high school and would get panic attacks, I am now able to manage my anxiety and live a fulfilling life. My experience has taught me the importance of not stigmatizing mental health and prioritizing it. Seeking help for mental health conditions can lead to positive outcomes and can help individuals achieve their goals. As I continue my journey as a UTEP music education major and member of the UTEP symphony orchestra, I am committed to using my experience to advocate for better mental health care and to support others who are struggling with mental health conditions.