My teenage years were marked by the development of habits that would later impact my life in profound ways. One of these habits was breathing through my mouth, which over time affected the alignment of my jaw and teeth. This physical change led to insecurities that caused low self esteem. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found a temporary reprieve in wearing masks, which allowed me to hide my imperfections and regain some confidence. Even after masks were no longer required, I continued to wear one, feeling it was my shield against the world's judgment. However, when I finally had to stop wearing masks, all my insecurities came flooding back, and I began to struggle with mental health issues. There were days when the weight of it all felt overwhelming, and I doubted my ability to keep going. Despite our family's economic challenges, which made professional help seem out of reach, my family's unwavering support was my rock. They encouraged me to seek dental care, and after some persistence, we managed to find a solution that worked for us. Getting braces was a game changer. It not only corrected my dental issues but also gave me a much-needed boost in confidence. This experience sparked a newfound passion within me, I wanted to become a dentist. I envisioned myself helping others like me, empowering them to smile and be themselves without the burden of insecurity. My journey through mental health struggles also inspired me to create a support system for others. Me and other classmates created GoldenLyfe, an app designed to connect students who were going through tough times and couldn't afford professional help. With the help of two friends, we poured our hearts into developing the app, ensuring it was a safe and welcoming space for users to communicate, play games, and gather. We promoted the app in our school, and although it took time, students began to join, sharing their stories and supporting one another. Unfortunately, due to funding constraints, we had to shut down the app, but the sense of community we fostered remained, and I knew that our efforts had made a difference. When it came time to apply to college, my family expressed concerns about pursuing dentistry due to its cost. However, for me, dentistry was more than just a career, it was my dream, my savior, and the reason I was able to find myself again. I decided to follow my heart and pursue dentistry, and I was fortunate enough to get accepted into Ohio State University, where I will be taking the next step towards dental school. Beyond my academic pursuits, I'm also planning to pitch in on overall health awareness by talking about how to prevent the spread of diseases and promoting healthy habits. It's pretty clear that our physical and mental health are connected, and a complete approach to health is super important for feeling good overall. By teaming up with campus health services and other groups, I'm hoping to push initiatives that encourage healthy living, prevent diseases, and help people get early treatment when they need it.

When I was 12, I moved to the U.S. with big dreams. I had to leave my family and friends behind, but I knew it would be worth it. I worked hard to learn the language and fit in. Before long, I was speaking English well and even started a club at my high school to help other kids who were new to the country learn the language and adjust to their new life. We would meet before school and practice our English, share stories about our cultures, and learn about each other's traditions. It was a great way to make friends and feel more at home. This experience was really important to me. I learned about different cultures and made friends who will be with me for life. We bonded over our shared experiences as immigrants and supported each other through the ups and downs of adjusting to a new country. When it was time to apply to college, I didn't know what to expect. No one in my family had gone to college before, so I had to figure it out on my own. But I didn't give up. I met with my school counselor, filled out applications, and worked hard to get good grades. And it paid off I got accepted into a few schools, including Ohio State University, which is where I'm going now. But then I found out I couldn't get financial aid because of my immigration status. I was really upset. My counselors had told me I would be eligible, and I was counting on it. I felt like my dreams were slipping away. But I didn't let it stop me. I got a second job and started saving money for school. It was hard, but I kept going. I would work after school, come home and do my homework, and then go to bed early to get up and do it all again the next day. One day, my pastor gave a sermon that really stuck with me. He talked about having faith and trusting in God's plan. Those words gave me the strength to keep going. I realized that I wasn't alone, and that God was with me every step of the way. And eventually, I had enough money to pay for my first semester of college. I'm now working hard to balance school and work, to save for my next semester. My message is simple: don't give up on your dreams. If you really want something, you can make it happen. It's not easy, but it is worth it. Keep pushing forward, even when things get tough. There will be obstacles and setbacks, but don't let them define you. You are capable of overcoming them, and achieving great things. I'm living proof of that. I'm going to college, pursuing my passion, and making a better life for myself. And I know that with hard work, determination, and always trusting the process, you can do the same.

My teenage years were marked by the development of habits that would later impact my life in profound ways. One of these habits was breathing through my mouth, which over time affected the alignment of my jaw and teeth. This physical change led to insecurities that caused low self esteem. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found a temporary reprieve in wearing masks, which allowed me to hide my imperfections and regain some confidence. Even after masks were no longer required, I continued to wear one, feeling it was my shield against the world's judgment. However, when I finally had to stop wearing masks, all my insecurities came flooding back, and I began to struggle with mental health issues. There were days when the weight of it all felt overwhelming, and I doubted my ability to keep going. Despite our family's economic challenges, which made professional help seem out of reach, my family's unwavering support was my rock. They encouraged me to seek dental care, and after some persistence, we managed to find a solution that worked for us. Getting braces was a game changer. It not only corrected my dental issues but also gave me a much-needed boost in confidence. This experience sparked a newfound passion within me, I wanted to become a dentist. I envisioned myself helping others like me, empowering them to smile and be themselves without the burden of insecurity. My journey through mental health struggles also inspired me to create a support system for others. Me and other classmates created GoldenLyfe, an app designed to connect students who were going through tough times and couldn't afford professional help. With the help of two friends, we poured our hearts into developing the app, ensuring it was a safe and welcoming space for users to communicate, play games, and gather. We promoted the app in our school, and although it took time, students began to join, sharing their stories and supporting one another. Unfortunately, due to funding constraints, we had to shut down the app, but the sense of community we fostered remained, and I knew that our efforts had made a difference. When it came time to apply to college, my family expressed concerns about pursuing dentistry due to its cost. However, for me, dentistry was more than just a career, it was my dream, my savior, and the reason I was able to find myself again. I decided to follow my heart and pursue dentistry, and I was fortunate enough to get accepted into Ohio State University, where I will be taking the next step towards dental school.

As a first-generation college student, my career choices have been shaped by my unique experiences. Before starting college, I had high expectations, but the reality was a road filled with unexpected challenges. While being a first-gen is a big milestone, the difficulties that come with it are often overlooked. I have struggled to balance academics and a full-time job, feeling overwhelmed by homework and tempted to give up. However, the thought of being a first-generation in my family and pursuing a dream that many can't have keeps me motivated. My journey has been further complicated by financial struggles, particularly as my residency status has a direct impact on my eligibility for financial aid. Despite these significant hurdles and obstacles, I remain standing in my determination to pursue a career path that not only brings me personal joy and satisfaction but also provides a sense of stability and fulfillment. As someone who is constantly juggling the responsibilities of both work and academics, I sincerely hope to serve as an inspiration to others who are walking a similar path. We are not just building our own legacies, we are actively paving the way and creating opportunities for those who will come after us, ensuring that they have a smoother and more accessible path to success..

My teenage years were marked by the development of habits that would later impact my life in profound ways. One of these habits was breathing through my mouth, which over time affected the alignment of my jaw and teeth. This physical change led to insecurities that caused low self esteem. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found a temporary reprieve in wearing masks, which allowed me to hide my imperfections and regain some confidence. Even after masks were no longer required, I continued to wear one, feeling it was my shield against the world's judgment. However, when I finally had to stop wearing masks, all my insecurities came flooding back, and I began to struggle with mental health issues. There were days when the weight of it all felt overwhelming, and I doubted my ability to keep going. Despite our family's economic challenges, which made professional help seem out of reach, my family's unwavering support was my rock. They encouraged me to seek dental care, and after some persistence, we managed to find a solution that worked for us. Getting braces was a game changer. It not only corrected my dental issues but also gave me a much-needed boost in confidence. This experience sparked a newfound passion within me, I wanted to become a dentist. I envisioned myself helping others like me, empowering them to smile and be themselves without the burden of insecurity. My journey through mental health struggles also inspired me to create a support system for others. I conceptualized GoldenLyfe, an app designed to connect students who were going through tough times and couldn't afford professional help. With the help of two friends, we poured our hearts into developing the app, ensuring it was a safe and welcoming space for users to communicate, play games, and gather. We promoted the app in our school, and although it took time, students began to join, sharing their stories and supporting one another. Unfortunately, due to funding constraints, we had to shut down the app, but the sense of community we fostered remained, and I knew that our efforts had made a difference. When it came time to apply to college, my family expressed concerns about pursuing dentistry due to its cost. However, for me, dentistry was more than just a career, it was my dream, my savior, and the reason I was able to find myself again. I decided to follow my heart and pursue dentistry, and I was fortunate enough to get accepted into Ohio State University. As a first generation student majoring in biology, I'm excited to take the next step towards dental school. Beyond my academic pursuits, I'm also planning to pitch in on overall health awareness by talking about how to prevent the spread of diseases and promoting healthy habits. It's pretty clear that our physical and mental health are connected, and a complete approach to health is super important for feeling good overall. By teaming up with campus health services and other groups, I'm hoping to push initiatives that encourage healthy living, prevent diseases, and help people get early treatment when they need it.

Being a first-generation student is a huge responsibility, but it's also an incredible opportunity. For me, it's proof that with hard work, discipline, and dedication, I can achieve my dreams. Growing up in Honduras, I saw how hard it was for people to access education and opportunities. But when I moved to the U.S. I knew I had a chance to create a better life. As an undocumented student, I faced many challenges. Learning English was tough, but I didn't give up. I challenged myself to learn fast, and it paid off. I became fluent and even started helping other students who were struggling with the language. This experience taught me the importance of perseverance and hard work. In high school, I discovered my passion for helping others. I started tutoring students who were new to the U.S. and it was amazing to see them grow. Through this experience, I met some amazing people who are still my friends today. To save up for college, I worked two jobs at 16. It was hard, but I was determined to achieve my dreams. Now, I'm a first-year college student, and my ultimate goal is to attend dental school. I've seen firsthand how dentistry can change people's lives, and I want to help others feel confident and smile more. Becoming the first in my family to earn a bachelor's degree and become a doctor will be a source of inspiration to others. It shows that no matter where you come from, your past doesn't define your future. This scholarship will make a huge difference for me. It will lift a significant financial responsibility off my shoulders, and I'll be able to focus on my studies. With this scholarship, I'll be able to pursue my passion for dentistry and make a positive impact in my community.

As someone who has struggled with mental health issues, I consider myself an "up-stander" because I've taken action to help others who may be facing similar challenges. When I was in high school, I found myself drowning in depression and anxiety. There were days when the weight of it all felt overwhelming, and I doubted my ability to keep going. Despite our family's economic challenges, which made professional help seem out of reach, my family's unwavering support was my rock. After years of struggling I was able to get back on my feet but with a new perspective of life. This experience sparked an idea - creating an app that would connect students who are going through hardships with each other and with useful resources. Along with two friends, we spent months perfecting the app, and when it was ready, we launched it at our school. We hung flyers with a QR code, and slowly but surely, students started downloading the app and joining our community. Although we had to shut down the app due to lack of funding, I believe that our efforts made a positive impact on our school community. We strengthened bonds between students, provided resources, and created a safe space for people to share their struggles. This experience taught me the importance of community and support, and it showed me that even small actions can make a big difference. Now, I plan to use my voice to build my community by advocating for mental health awareness and resources. I want to create a space where people feel comfortable sharing their struggles and seeking help. Whether it's through volunteering, organizing events, or simply being a listening ear, I'm committed to being an "up-stander" for those who need support. I'm passionate about using my experience to help others, and I'm determined to make a positive impact in my community. My goal is to make a difference in the lives of others, just like my family did for me. I believe that everyone deserves access to resources and support, regardless of their background or financial situation. By sharing my story and using my voice, I hope to inspire others to do the same, and together, we can build a stronger, more supportive community where people feel seen, heard, and valued. I'm excited to see the impact that we can make together, and I am committed to being a part of it.

My teenage years were marked by the development of habits that would later impact my life in profound ways. One of these habits was breathing through my mouth, which over time affected the alignment of my jaw and teeth. This physical change led to insecurities that caused low self-esteem. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found a temporary reprieve in wearing masks, which allowed me to hide my imperfections and regain some confidence. Even after masks were no longer required, I continued to wear one, feeling it was my shield against the world's judgment. However, when I finally had to stop wearing masks, all my insecurities came flooding back, and I began to struggle with mental health issues. There were days when the weight of it all felt overwhelming, and I doubted my ability to keep going. Despite our family's economic challenges, which made professional help seem out of reach, my family's unwavering support was my rock. They encouraged me to seek dental care, and after some persistence, we managed to find a solution that worked for us. Getting braces was a game changer. It not only corrected my dental issues but also gave me a much-needed boost in confidence. This experience sparked a newfound passion within me; I wanted to become a dentist. I envisioned myself helping others like me, empowering them to smile and be themselves without the burden of insecurity. My journey through mental health struggles also inspired me to create a support system for others. I conceptualized GoldenLyfe, an app designed to connect students who were going through tough times and couldn't afford professional help. With the help of two friends, we poured our hearts into developing the app, ensuring it was a safe and welcoming space for users to communicate, play games, and gather. We promoted the app in our school, and although it took time, students began to join, sharing their stories and supporting one another. Unfortunately, due to funding constraints, we had to shut down the app, but the sense of community we fostered remained, and I knew that our efforts had made a difference. When it came time to apply to college, my family expressed concerns about pursuing dentistry due to its cost. However, for me, dentistry was more than just a career, it was my dream, my savior, and the reason I was able to find myself again. I decided to follow my heart and pursue dentistry, and I was fortunate enough to get accepted into Ohio State University. As a first-generation student majoring in biology, I'm excited to take the next step towards dental school. Beyond my academic pursuits, I'm also planning to pitch in on overall health awareness by talking about how to prevent the spread of diseases and promoting healthy habits. It's pretty clear that our physical and mental health are connected, and a complete approach to health is super important for feeling good overall. By teaming up with campus health services and other groups, I'm hoping to push initiatives that encourage healthy living, prevent diseases, and help people get early treatment when they need it.

My teenage years were marked by the development of habits that would later profoundly impact my life. One of these habits was breathing through my mouth, which, over time, affected the alignment of my jaw and teeth. This physical change led to insecurities, which in turn caused low self-esteem. During the COVID-19 pandemic, I found a reprieve in wearing masks, which allowed me to hide my imperfections and regain some confidence. Even after masks were no longer required, I continued to wear one, feeling it was my shield against the world's judgment. However, when I finally had to stop wearing masks, all my insecurities came flooding back, and I began to struggle with mental health issues. There were days when the weight of it all felt overwhelming, and I doubted my ability to keep going. Despite our family's economic challenges, which made professional help seem out of reach, my family's unwavering support was my rock. They encouraged me to seek dental care, and after some persistence, we managed to find a solution that worked for us. Getting braces was a game changer. It not only corrected my dental issues but also gave me a much-needed boost in confidence. This experience sparked a newfound passion within me, and I wanted to become a dentist. I envisioned myself helping others like me, empowering them to smile and be themselves without the burden of insecurity. My journey through mental health struggles also inspired me to create a support system for others. I conceptualized GoldenLyfe, an app designed to connect students who were going through tough times and couldn't afford professional help. With the help of two friends, we poured our hearts into developing the app, ensuring it was a safe and welcoming space for users to communicate, play games, and gather. We promoted the app in our school, and although it took time, students began to join, sharing their stories and supporting one another. Unfortunately, due to funding constraints, we had to shut down the app, but the sense of community we fostered remained, and I knew that our efforts had made a difference. When it came time to apply to college, my family expressed concerns about pursuing dentistry due to its cost. However, for me, dentistry was more than just a career; it was my dream, my savior, and the reason I was able to find myself again. I decided to follow my heart and pursue dentistry, and I was fortunate enough to get accepted into Ohio State University. As a first-generation student majoring in biology, I'm excited to take the next step towards dental school. Beyond my academic pursuits, I'm also planning to pitch in on overall health awareness by talking about how to prevent the spread of diseases and promoting healthy habits. It's pretty clear that our physical and mental health are connected, and a complete approach to health is super important for feeling good overall. By teaming up with campus health services and other groups, I'm hoping to push initiatives that encourage healthy living, prevent diseases, and help people get early treatment when they need it.