Working in childcare for the past three years has really opened my eyes to the dental needs of my community. Little kids should not be constantly complaining about tooth pain related to cavities or be walking around with smiles dotted with silver caps. I want to make a difference in my community through my work as a dental hygiene student and future hygienist that will increase the happy smiles in my area and make a difference in the lives of my people. My passion for dental hygiene began when I saw firsthand how dental issues can affect children. Many of the kids I worked with had dental problems that could have been prevented with better care and education. Seeing their discomfort made me realize how important dental hygiene is and how much of an impact I could have by helping to improve it. I chose to study Dental Hygiene at Oregon Institute of Technology because their program provides a strong foundation for a career in dental hygiene. My studies have given me a solid understanding of the human body and how different factors can affect dental health. One of my goals is to create a community outreach program that focuses on dental education for children and their parents. By teaching them about proper dental care and the importance of regular check-ups, I hope to reduce the number of cavities and other dental issues in my community. I also want to work with local schools to provide free dental screenings and cleanings for children who might not have access to regular dental care. My personal experiences have also driven my passion for dental hygiene. Growing up, I watched my grandpa give great care to every patient who sat in his chair, and I know how much of a difference one dental professional can make in a community. I want to use my education and skills to help others avoid the pain and discomfort that comes with poor oral hygiene. In conclusion, my work in childcare and my personal experiences have fueled my passion for dental hygiene. I am committed to making a difference in my community by improving dental health and education. The John Young 'Pursue Your Passion' Scholarship would help me achieve my goals by providing the financial support I need to continue my studies and pursue my dream of becoming a dental hygienist. Thank you for considering my application!

I love my friends, I sincerely do, but I often find it hard to express that love, so I show them. Waking up to a plate of steaming rice and freshly cooked stir fry is a way I show my love. See, my friend I was staying with that morning didn't know how to cook. I took that opportunity to exercise my culinary creativity and create something to express my appreciation to her. She doesn't like spice, so I don't add any. She loves carrots, so I add extra. She likes her eggs in heart shapes. Cooking for someone you love makes the food taste exponentially better. As she woke up, all dreary with sleep, and she breathed in the smell of my cooking, the smile that crossed her face is one I will surely not readily forget. Creativity has allowed me to share my obsession with food with my friends and create everlasting bonds of love between us.