I had braces for three years. Although I never considered this weird since I got them in middle school, and a lot of other kids my age had braces. In fact, when I was in elementary school I thought they looked really cool, and I was excited when the dentist suggested I get them! After three painful years, it was finally time to get my braces off. But it didn't end there. Most people are met with a perfect smile after getting their braces removed; but for me, that was not the case. Although braces straightened out my teeth, there was still a problem. After losing my baby teeth, there was one adult tooth that never grew in. After seeing X-rays, the orthodontist explained that there was nothing in place of that tooth, therefore it would never grow in. I honestly wouldn't mind if it were in the very back, but the one that's missing is to the right of my two front teeth, so it's very noticeable when I smile. So, once this was discovered, the orthodontist immediately started brainstorming how to fix this. Of course, my parents' first thought was for me to get an implant. However, in my state you have to be at least 21 to get any implant surgery. This is to ensure that your mouth is fully developed before they start making changes to it. But, lucky for me, there was another solution the orthodontist had in mind. If you've had braces, (or know anyone that has), you probably know that they usually get a retainer after getting their braces off to make sure everything stays in place. So, I ended up getting a special retainer that has a fake tooth in place of where my real one would be. This was an extreme comfort to me, especially since I got my braces off in the beginning of my high school years. I was so happy that I had a normal smile again and it boosted my confidence. Although, I don't always have the comfort of my retainer hiding my real smile. I have to take my retainer out to eat. So if I hang out with someone often enough, after a while they'll notice what I look like without it in. At times I get embarrassed because of this, especially if it's around someone I'm not particularly close with and they just happen to catch me without my retainer in. I usually just give them a brief explanation and put it back in as soon as I can. However, when I'm around my family or my close friends, I don't usually mind how I look without it. In fact, the longer I've lived without a tooth, the more I find it unique rather than embarrassing. I've gotten compliments on my real smile from the people who love and accept me the most, and that means the world to me. Honestly, I'm pretty goofy anyhow, so I think it suits me more than anything else about me. I have my own unique style and a full head of curly hair, what's one more thing to add to the list?

Every dollar counts. When it comes to achieving my goals to the fullest capacity, I want to set myself up for the largest success that I am capable of. Additionally, I want the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to feel like their money is safely invested in my career. I feel as though I have accurately presented my academic competence through a different scholarship I was graciously offered by the University. Thanks to U.N.R's Pack Promise+ Scholarship, my base tuition fees will be covered for the entire first year. Therefore, my next highest expense is living on campus. Since I am not from Reno, nor do I have any family there, I plan to live in the dorms. I believe this is the most optimal decision in regards to my residency. So, if I am chosen to receive this grant, I will put it towards my housing bill. Additionally, I am extremely grateful for the University of Nevada, Reno's generosity and financial encouragement towards their students. I believe if I am awarded this grant I can offer the most prepared version of myself to U.N.R's business program. Earlier this year, I visited campus for the first time as part of the Nevada Bound program. Immediately, I fell in love with the business program and felt such an overwhelming sense of inspiration during the informational meeting. During my first year, I am looking forward to participating in the Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition and the Nevada Student Investment Organization. The Sontag Entrepreneurship Competition is particularly special to me because I am excited to invent my own business idea and see how far I can take it with the help of my University. Ultimately, I have not decided on a specific career to pursue after achieving my bachelor's degree because I am frankly overwhelmed and enthralled by the amount of opportunities. However, I don't think this will negatively affect my academic performance, in fact I believe it will motivate me to pursue multiple majors. All in all, I truly believe I can flourish at the University of Nevada, Reno.