Growing up, choosing a career that catered to my interests and passions was never an issue. Since my first career project in elementary school, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in dentistry. From looking forward to every dental visit to playing teeth cleaning games on my Nabi, I was certain. To solidify this “perfect dream plan” of mine, I spoke to my uncle, a general dentist and practice owner, who has since been my mentor. This mentorship along with my own experiences has played a crucial role in determining my career in the dental field. At a young age, I gained valuable insights into the profession, witnessed real-life dental procedures, and received guidance on the path to achieving my goals. My uncle offered firsthand knowledge of the dental field, sharing his experiences and expertise, which served as a powerful motivator. Through shadowing, I witnessed the impact of his work, learned how a practice is run, gained a deeper understanding of the profession's potential, and developed a personal drive to make a difference in patients' lives. He expressed to me all the perks including flexibility, versatility, and creativity. It helped me navigate the complexities of the dental field and make informed decisions about the career path I wish to take. I ultimately fostered a sense of purpose and enhanced my commitment to aspiring dentistry and pursuing my dreams. Personal experiences with dental care have also played a significant part in determining my career path. Through my encounters with dental professionals, I have witnessed their commitment to providing effective and productive work. These experiences have instilled in me a deep appreciation for the impact that oral health can have on an individual's overall well-being. Observing the skills and expertise of these professionals has motivated me to strive for excellence in the field. More specifically, hearing my family's complaints about dental costs and misdiagnoses in efforts to increase payments enhances my drive to provide free and honest care. This scholarship would greatly support my journey toward becoming a dentist by alleviating the financial burden associated with educational expenses. By providing the necessary financial assistance, it would enable me to focus more on my academic pursuits and achieve excellence in my studies. With the worries of financial strain diminished, I can fully immerse myself in my coursework, engage in research, and take advantage of learning opportunities that contribute to my development as a dental professional. Additionally, this support enables me to invest in educational resources and materials essential for enhancing my knowledge and understanding of dentistry. It allows me to stay at the forefront of dental advancements and provide the highest quality of care to my future patients. Furthermore, the reduced hassle of student loans would allow me to freely give back to the community and make a positive impact on the people I serve. All in all, the passion for combining my love of science, service, and creativity has driven my desire to become a dentist. The mentorship from my uncle and personal experiences have fully instilled in me the confidence, knowledge, and experience necessary for this career. With this scholarship, I will be equipped with the resources to provide high-quality dental care to underserved communities. It would not only support my personal career goals but also allow me to contribute to the oral health and well-being of those in need.

In my background and experiences, science has always been a driving force. From a young age, I was captivated by its logical, analytical, and systemic nature. The ability to discover and make sense of the underlying principles behind natural phenomena and functions of the body fascinated me. As I advance in my science courses and build upon prior knowledge, my desire to expand on related topics and make biological connections grows. This passion allows me to excel in science throughout my academic career. Not only does science serve as the foundation for life and death, but it also addresses global and social issues. It tackles pressing challenges such as healthcare and sustainable development. By understanding science, I can come up with innovative solutions that shape our future for the better. Recognizing the importance of a strong science education, I am committed to making a meaningful contribution to dentistry. Through my academic achievements and extracurricular involvement, I have demonstrated my dedication to learning and exploring new ideas. Additionally, I am actively engaged in research, lab assessments, and mentoring the younger generation to push the boundaries of knowledge and make valuable contributions to the field. Looking ahead, my future goals and aspirations involve furthering my education in science, specifically dentistry. I aim to pursue advanced studies and engage in research that addresses relevant societal issues. By combining my passion, knowledge, and skills, I hope to drive positive change, inspire others, and shape the future through hygiene, preventative care, and professional education. As technology continues to advance at a rapid pace, there is a growing demand for individuals with scientific backgrounds. However, there is a shortage of skilled professionals to fill these positions. This not only hinders innovation and progress but also limits the potential for economic growth. To address this gap, it is crucial to prioritize and invest in science education. Most recently, I began tutoring life science at a local junior academy affiliated with my university. By equipping students with the necessary knowledge and skills from an early age, I can ensure that the future workforce is well-prepared and passionate about meeting the demands of STEM industries. Additionally, it is essential to encourage and support underrepresented groups, such as women and minorities, to pursue careers in this field. This will not only bring valuable diversity to the field but also create an all-inclusive environment and remove the unnecessary stigmas surrounding healthcare. Through targeted educational initiatives, mentorship programs, and scholarship opportunities, I can inspire and empower a new generation of STEM professionals. In shaping the future, science education plays a vital role. Through my passion for this subject, I aspire to make meaningful contributions to healthcare. My future goals include furthering my studies, conducting impactful research, and pursuing a career in dentistry dedicated to solving pressing issues and assisting others through the application of science. I am driven to make a difference, and I believe that by contributing effectively, I can help drive progress and create a better future for all.

As I approach the end of my senior year I get more anxious about continuing my education at Oakwood University, a Christian HBCU. I want to major in biology and study to be a pediatric dentist. When I first started my search for colleges, attending an HBCU wasn’t a large priority. I mainly focused on location, living appeal, programs offered, and diversity. However, after hearing how highly people spoke about the unforgettable experience, available financial aid, and inclusive environment I wanted nothing more than to attend one. Ever since my elementary school career project and numerous dentist games on my Nabi tablet, I knew I wanted to be a dentist. Just last summer I had the privilege to shadow a dentist in his Practice for two full days. I learned dental terms, different medical cases, tools used, how to fill a cavity, basic cleaning procedures, and how to create a mold for dentures. On the second day, while watching a dental hygienist interact with her child patients, I decided I specifically wanted to be a pediatric dentist because of my passionate love for kids and the joy they bring. To be a dental hygienist I could easily complete a two-year course at a community college to earn a certificate in the study. Although that would definitely be the easier route, I believe attending an HBCU would allow me to have a complete college experience, create the best memories and bonds, and excel in my career. I look forward to seeing what my future holds as I enter the world as an educated black woman with my head held high and a green, yellow, and red stole across my shoulders when I graduate.

Throughout my life, helping others, contributing to my community, and giving, were very important. As a Christian, at a young age I was heavily involved in clubs, community activities, and fundraising for those in need and less fortunate. Of course, I only participated for badges on my sash and because my parents signed me up. However, as I grow older and grasp lifelong fundamentals, I realize being an ally and lending a helping hand brings not only others but me genuine happiness. I refuse to take the fortunes that God has placed on me for granted, so I will always try my best to bless those around me. During Covid-19, it was a lot harder to get involved. It took me a while to regain the confidence and security to go out, but it didn’t hinder me. Most recently, I, and a few other of my classmates, helped out the children in our community. During the holiday season, I showed up for Riverside elementary school. In efforts to fundraise for the school, I helped with their holiday parade. It wasn’t your usual parade with floats, marching bands, lights, and cheerleaders. It was much calmer and more close-knit and heart-felt. This parade consisted of lined-up tables stacked with toys, holiday goodies, and gifts. The parade was more like a drive-thru- in which parents and their kids drove by and picked up the items of their choice. I was an elf. My job was to guide the “shoppers” along the line of tables, bag up the gifts, and direct them to the next station. Regardless of the fact I could no longer feel my toes, the toothless smiles of the little kids were well worth it. We sang Christmas carols, passed out candy canes, and shared small conversations about our holiday plans. Although that doesn’t seem like much on paper, it meant everything to me, especially because of my love for kids. This wonderful experience along with many others like feeding the homeless, volunteering for kids' summer camp, assisting blood drives, and helping to remodel, set up, and decorate my elementary school has benefitted me for the better. All in all, “showing up” has always been a part of me. I hope to be an inspiration to teens my age and help wherever I can just as God did. I will continue to be an ally as I branch out of my community, go to college, and start my career as a pediatric dental hygienist. I look forward to being a support system as I move forward in my life and continue to see toothless little smiles.

Sometimes, it's a little easier to be sympathetic with others because you know exactly what they're going through. However, I have been blessed with the feeling of empathy because I haven't had many unfortunate events happen in my life. Personally, I've never actually experienced a close death, poverty, abandonment, or abuse. Even with the little things such as a broken bone, being an only child, or failing a class I, fortunately, can't relate to many of these situations. Nevertheless, I'm a very thoughtful and compassionate person. I can still relate to people's feelings of sadness, joy, and just moments of pure emptiness. Just last month, my coworker, who was very excited about having a child, experienced a miscarriage. Ofcourse, I have no idea how it feels to lose a baby and have something pass away inside me but I do know how it feels to lose something very important. Although I disagreed with her choice because she's only 17 and wasn't financially prepared to raise a child, I catered to her with love and covered her following shifts. I prayed to God for the healing of her mind and body because I know how traumatizing a loss could be and also for comfort and guidance moving forward. While going throughout life, I realized that the simple words of "I'm sorry" and a hug go a long way regardless if I've been in their shoes or not. Even when I'm unsure of others' situations I'm quick to share a genuine laugh, smile, and meaningless conversation with them. Whether I agree or not, I'm very understanding and I try my hardest not to judge because God doesn't judge me.

Throughout my entire life, my main goal has been a successful future and a career I love. I set this goal because I have seen the tole a miserable job can have on people, and I don't want to live an unhappy life solely based on my income. I want to achieve this goal by my mid 20's, when I've graduated with my bachelor's and am on my feet. My whole life I've sought the approval of my parents because they've drilled the idea of success and excellence in my head. As I achieve these goals, I'll continue to look at them for guidance and encouragement. After shadowing at many dental offices because of my interests, I would absolutely love to be a pediatric dental hygienist because of my likeliness of kids and help to improve their little smiles.

I would like to describe myself as up-front, adventurous, loving, and ambitious. Of course I enjoyed my crazy childhood but I have spent the last couple of years growing, maturing, and changing for the better. Although I’ve always focused on my grades and future, as I get older my priorities continue to realign. Since 2020, I've gained more work experience, witnessed my older brother graduate, go off to college, and shadowed at a Dental office to gain further exposure to my field of interest. I believe I’m a great applicant for this scholarship because having a successful future and going to college is my top priority. Future success is important to me as it will afford me financial freedom and the opportunity to give back to children (especially the under-privileged). I love kids! During online school I learned to avoid procrastination, get things done right away, and be attentive during zooms. In my transition back to being completely in person I’ve taken these qualities with me and will continue to utilize them in college. Two years ago I was very involved in community work and began getting involved at school but the COVID 19 pandemic has drastically reduced my level of involvement. However, being absent from outside activities has allowed me to become a better student and take on more responsibilities which is preparing me for college and life after. Lucky I have always been book smart and college is definitely my place to shine! Until then, I have been able to maintain and even improve my grades while in school, manage a busy work schedule all year around, spend time with friends and family, and focus on planning for a future in dentistry. Watching my older brother graduate and start the next phase of his life was a big wake up call. Since he is a year ahead of me I’ve been able to learn from his mistakes and reflect on the do’s and don'ts. One of the biggest things I’ve learned from his transition is to start applying for scholarships early and be purposeful in my efforts to reduce the financial strain of college on my family. In conclusion, now that it’s safer, I plan to get back involved in my community, as well as continue the positive impact in college and as a pediatric dentist. I’ve never really been involved in school activities because I didn’t know the importance of them, but after learning more about what colleges look for, I’m excited about making a difference inside and out of the classroom. Towards the end of the summer last year, I was able to spend a couple days at a Dental office and experience a typical day in the field. This was a huge experience which increased my understanding of the field and broadened my options. I took advantage of my visit and will continue to take advantage of development opportunities to ensure growth and betterment for my future.

The STEM industry will benefit from an increase in women in its field of study by the number of jobs us women will strongly occupy. Employment in healthcare is decreasing tremendously especially since the pandemic. I believe amping up involvement from everyone would be very beneficial from the medical standpoint. Regarding engineering, the most male-dominated field in STEM, I think women will also play an important role in certain branches. Today the highest percentage of women work in the STEM industry in occupations like statisticians, computer system analysts, and operations research analysts. Since these fields are known for being male-dominated, women are highly paid because of the low employment of females. As woman progress in STEM related careers and break through the stereotypical 30% of the workforce, I think we will become a positive threat and inspiration to other girls. The more women they see, the more it will help them envision themselves in similar roles and encourage them to continue to grow the industry.