Dear Scholarship Committee, My journey as a registered dental hygienist and active dental volunteer has been deeply shaped by my Christian faith and my Hispanic heritage growing up in Texas. These roots instilled in me a profound sense of compassion and responsibility toward underserved communities, motivating me to serve on medical and dental missions. On a mission trip abroad to San Marcos, Honduras with CapeCares.org, as well as state-side mission trips to rural areas of underserved communities with Texas Mission of Mercy; I witnessed firsthand the devastating effects of inadequate oral health care. Many individuals suffered from preventable dental diseases that affected not only their smiles but their overall well-being and dignity. These experiences fueled my commitment to uphold my dental hygiene oath and reinforced my calling to deliver quality care to those who need it most. Serving as a dental hygienist during these missions, I provided essential preventive and therapeutic treatments, oral health education, and emotional support. Each patient interaction reminded me of the power of empathy and the importance of meeting people where they are. My role extended beyond clinical care—I became an advocate, educator, and a source of hope for individuals who often felt forgotten. The gratitude expressed by the communities in Texas and Honduras continues to inspire me and strengthen my resolve to serve. Academically, I have dedicated myself to excellence. I graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree and am currently pursuing a master’s program at UT Health San Antonio. These achievements reflect my determination to expand my knowledge and skills, equipping me to make a greater impact in both clinical and mission settings. For 2026, as I continue my education I am preparing for upcoming abroad dental mission trip to Belize with a local church and a second mission trip returning to San Marcos, Honduras, within Texas I will travel to three more dental charitable events hosted by Texas Mission of Mercy; where I will integrate advanced learning with hands-on service while completing my master’s degree. Looking beyond graduate school, I envision a career where education and advocacy go hand-in-hand. I aspire to mentor new dental hygiene professionals, encouraging them to view their role as more than clinical practice, but as a platform for positive change. The prospect of guiding students to become compassionate, competent professionals fills me with purpose. My faith and background have continually guided my path, reminding me that serving others is both a privilege and a calling. I am committed to using my education and experience to bridge gaps in oral health care, advocate for vulnerable populations, and bring hope and healing to communities in need. Through ongoing mission work, I aspire to honor my faith, heritage, and the trust placed in me as a dental professional, dedicating my life’s work to service, compassion, and excellence. Thank you for considering my application. Regards, Lidia Calloway, RDH, BSDH, FADHA Sigma Phi Alpha

Dear Scholarship Committee, The future of dental hygiene education rests in the hands of leaders who teach not only with expertise, but also with genuine compassion. As I embark on my graduate journey, I am driven by an unwavering passion to educate others in dental hygiene, and to advocate for volunteerism and public health. This dedication is rooted in my belief that true leadership in education means inspiring others to make a tangible difference in their communities. Growing up in South Texas, I witnessed the negative impact from dental tourism in Mexico. The lack of access to care in underserved communities, lack of dental insurance, and financial stress forced many to cross the border for dental needs. This inspired me to be proactive within the dental community to utilize my skills, knowledge, and uphold my dental hygiene oath to provide quality access to care to those in need. Witnessing firsthand the transformative impact that dental hygiene can have on a person’s quality of life has been my greatest motivator. Whether volunteering with my state, local community, or abroad on mission trips; I am inspired by the opportunity to share my knowledge, not just as technical skills, but as tools for lifelong wellness. Looking beyond graduate school, I envision a career where education and advocacy go hand-in-hand. I aspire to mentor new dental hygiene professionals, encouraging them to view their role as more than clinical practice, but as a platform for positive change. With every step in my graduate program and career, I will turn this passion into purposeful action, ensuring that the legacy of dental hygiene education is one of compassion and community impact. The prospect of guiding students to become compassionate, competent professionals fills me with purpose. Thank you for considering my application. Regards, Lidia Calloway, RDH, BSDH, FADHA Sigma Phi Alpha

The future of dental hygiene education rests in the hands of leaders who teach not only with expertise, but also with genuine compassion. As I embark on my graduate journey, I am driven by an unwavering passion to educate others in dental hygiene, and to advocate for volunteerism and public health. This dedication is rooted in my belief that true leadership in education means inspiring others to make a tangible difference in their communities. My passion for education stems from a deep-seated desire to empower individuals to take control of their oral health. Witnessing firsthand the transformative impact that dental hygiene can have on a person’s quality of life has been my greatest motivator. I am inspired by the opportunity to share my knowledge, not just as technical skills, but as tools for lifelong wellness. The prospect of guiding students to become compassionate, competent professionals fills me with purpose. Looking beyond graduate school, I envision a career where education and advocacy go hand-in-hand. I aspire to mentor new dental hygiene professionals, encouraging them to view their role as more than clinical practice, but as a platform for positive change. With every step in my graduate program and career, I will turn this passion into purposeful action, ensuring that the legacy of dental hygiene education is one of compassion and community impact. Thank you for considering my application. Regards, Lidia Calloway, RDH, BSDH, FADHA Sigma Phi Alpha