As a first-generation American and the first in my Hispanic family to attend and graduate from college, my cultural background has deeply shaped my identity and how I see the world. I was raised in a small town of Wenatchee, WA where diversity was limited, and unfortunately, so was understanding. As a child, I was often bullied for my brown skin and for simply being Hispanic. I would lie and say I was Indian or Italian to avoid the derogatory comments. These experiences made me feel out of place and, for a while, ashamed of who I was. I tried to downplay my heritage in order to fit in and avoid judgment. However, as I got older, I began to see the beauty and strength in my roots. I realized how unique and rich my culture is—from the way we celebrate holidays with music, food, and family, to the values of unity, respect, and hard work that are passed down through generations. I started to embrace my background with pride, recognizing that the very things that once made me feel different are now what give me purpose and drive. Coming from a hardworking Hispanic family, I’ve seen firsthand the value of persistence and sacrifice. My parents worked tirelessly to give me opportunities they never had, and their example taught me the importance of education and determination. These values guided me through my academic journey and helped me achieve what once felt impossible: getting accepted into dental hygiene school. I am currently enrolled and on track to graduate in 2027. This milestone is more than just a personal achievement—it represents the hopes and dreams of my entire family and community. Pursuing a career in dental hygiene is a reflection of both my passion for healthcare and my desire to give back. I want to be a provider who not only treats patients but also connects with them, especially those from underserved or minority backgrounds who may feel overlooked or misunderstood. My own experiences with feeling different have given me a deeper sense of empathy and a commitment to making others feel seen and valued. My heritage, once a source of insecurity, has become my greatest source of strength. It has shaped the way I approach challenges, the way I connect with others, and the kind of professional I aspire to be. I am proud to carry my culture with me as I continue my journey toward becoming a dental hygienist in 2027.

Embracing My Identity While Pursuing Dental Hygiene As an LGBTQ+ individual, my journey toward becoming a dental hygienist has been shaped by both resilience and purpose. Growing up in a small, conservative town, I faced isolation and misunderstanding after coming out as nonbinary during my late teens. My identity was met with confusion, rejection, and even ridicule from some peers and adults I once trusted. These experiences chipped away at my confidence, making it difficult to imagine a future where I could live authentically and succeed professionally. However, I refused to let others define my worth or derail my goals. I found strength in community support groups and LGBTQ+ mentors who helped me see that my identity was not a barrier but a source of strength. These experiences instilled in me a deep sense of empathy and the desire to create safe, inclusive spaces—qualities I now bring to my studies and future career in dental hygiene. I want all people to feel comfortable in their skin and who they are, and I want future patients sitting in my chair to feel seen and heard by me. Their comfort, trust, and well-being will always be my top priorities. I chose dental hygiene not only because of my passion for health care but also because I believe oral health is a fundamental right, not a privilege. I aim to work in underserved communities where both LGBTQ+ individuals and others often face limited access to care and understanding. I want to become a trusted professional who patients feel comfortable being themselves around—someone who listens, affirms, and educates without judgment. Representation matters deeply, especially in health care, and I want to be the kind of provider I needed growing up. I also plan to volunteer with LGBTQ+ youth organizations to provide oral health education and mentorship. In doing so, I hope to show others that they can achieve their dreams without compromising who they are. My ambition is not just to succeed, but to uplift and open doors for others along the way. This scholarship would empower me to continue my education without the burden of financial stress, allowing me to stay focused on my goal: to make a tangible impact in both the dental field and the LGBTQ+ community. My drive is fueled by every obstacle I’ve overcome, and I am committed to turning my experiences into positive change for others—because no one should ever feel like they have to choose between being themselves and following their dreams.

My passion for dental hygiene stems from a deep desire to help others achieve better health and confidence through preventive care and education. As a current dental assistant at a dental sleep and TMJ clinic, I have seen firsthand how oral health impacts overall well-being. My experience extends to both general and pediatric dentistry, and being trained chairside has taught me how to adapt quickly, communicate effectively, and provide compassionate care to a diverse range of patients. These opportunities have solidified my commitment to advancing in this field and becoming a dental hygienist. Throughout my journey, I’ve demonstrated a strong work ethic and a genuine eagerness to learn. I pride myself on my interpersonal skills, being easily trainable, and always willing to step outside my comfort zone to grow. Academically, I’ve maintained a 3.86 GPA in my dental hygiene prerequisites. Though I initially struggled with Anatomy and Physiology, I retook the course and passed—proof of my determination and refusal to give up. I’ve also found great joy in helping my peers learn, which has further sparked my interest in patient education and possibly mentoring others in the future. Pursuing this career is not only a goal—it’s a personal mission. I do not have family support to rely on and am putting myself through school. Every step I’ve taken has been fueled by resilience and a clear vision for the future. Receiving this scholarship would be life-changing. It would help me cover essential expenses such as transportation to and from school, room and board, tuition, and the tools and supplies required for the dental hygiene program. Most importantly, it would relieve the financial strain so I can fully dedicate myself to excelling in my studies and clinical training. This award would not just support my education—it would help me fulfill a dream I’ve worked tirelessly toward. I am committed to giving back to the community as a knowledgeable, empathetic, and skilled dental hygienist. Thank you for considering my application and supporting students like me who are determined to create a better future through hard work and service.