To me, legacy isn’t about what you inherit. It’s about what you create, what you heal, and what you leave behind for the next generation (whether that’s your family, your community, or even just one person who needed someone to show them a different path). I’ve thought a lot about legacy because I come from a family that didn’t have one I wanted to carry forward. I am building something entirely new from the ground up. I was raised in a home where emotional support was rare and stability was even rarer. My father was an alcoholic and mostly absent. My mother, emotionally immature and narcissistic, made it clear that love came with conditions and that her feelings always came first. I spent most of my childhood walking on eggshells, trying not to upset anyone, and learning quickly that I had to be my own safe place. There was no roadmap. There were no college visits, no talks about dreams, no encouragement to go further than anyone else had. But I knew deep down I wanted more. Not just for myself, but to prove that it was possible to break the cycle. Becoming the first in my family to go to college was not something that happened by accident. It took a lot of quiet resilience, a lot of long nights, and a lot of unlearning the toxic patterns that were handed to me. I’ve had to be my own motivation, my own voice of reason, and my own biggest cheerleader. It hasn’t been easy, but I’ve never let that stop me. If anything, it’s pushed me harder. My upbringing didn’t hand me a legacy, it gave me the reason to build one. I’m doing that by choosing a different path. By pursuing a college degree in a field I care about, by being financially independent, and by working to heal the parts of myself that were hurt by my environment, I’m setting a new standard. I’m also doing it by refusing to pass on the emotional baggage I was handed. I’ve learned how to set boundaries, how to speak kindly to myself, and how to ask for help when I need it. Those are all things I never saw modeled growing up. Looking ahead, I plan to continue this path by not only building a career that supports me, but by using what I’ve learned to help others (especially people who also feel like they started with nothing). Whether it’s volunteering, working in healthcare, or just showing up for people in a way I never had, I believe legacy is built in the little things. I want to be someone who helps others feel seen, heard, and capable. I may have come from a broken home, but I am not broken. My legacy is one of strength, honesty, and healing. I’m not repeating the cycle I was born into, I’m ending it.

I didn’t grow up thinking college was in the cards for me. My dad struggled with alcoholism, and life felt more about getting through the day than dreaming about the future. But somewhere along the way, I realized I could be the one to break the cycle. I became the first in my family to go to college, and now I’m working toward a degree in dental hygiene. My goal isn’t just to have a stable job. I want to use everything I’ve learned, both in school and in life, to make a difference for other people. Working as a dental assistant while going to school has opened my eyes to how important oral health really is. It’s not just about having a nice smile. Dental problems can affect a person’s ability to eat, sleep, and even feel confident in public. I’ve seen patients who were too embarrassed to laugh or smile, or who put off care because they couldn’t afford it. Those moments have stuck with me and have made me even more committed to using my degree in a way that helps people who are often overlooked. I plan to focus on underserved communities, especially in rural areas like the one I grew up in. Access to dental care in these places is limited, and many people don’t go to the dentist unless something is already wrong. Once I become a licensed dental hygienist, I want to work in a community health clinic or with a mobile dental unit that brings care directly to people who need it. I also want to volunteer at free dental days and school programs that teach kids the basics of brushing, flossing, and caring for their teeth. More than anything, I want to be someone who helps others feel seen. My own journey has shown me how far a little encouragement can go. Whether I’m helping a patient through a tough appointment or reminding someone that their story matters, I want to be that steady presence they can count on. I’ve also learned that small actions add up. I’ve led local trash cleanups with Keep Nature Wild and seen how something simple like picking up litter can inspire others to care more too. That experience reminded me that you don’t have to wait until you “make it” to start making an impact. You just have to start. That’s the same mindset I’ll carry into my work in healthcare. This degree is more than a path to a career. It’s a way for me to give back to the kind of community that raised me. I want to be a dental hygienist who not only improves people’s health, but also reminds them that they matter and they deserve good care.

As a first-generation college student, pursuing a degree in dental hygiene has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. I’ve had to figure out how to navigate college on my own, from financial aid paperwork to clinical requirements, all while working as a dental assistant. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s strengthened my sense of independence, purpose, and resilience. One of my biggest goals is to graduate and become a licensed dental hygienist so I can provide high-quality, compassionate care to my community. I’ve seen firsthand how intimidating and stressful dental visits can be for many people, and I want to help change that. I want my patients to feel safe, respected, and genuinely cared for. I believe that oral health is deeply connected to overall well-being, and I’m committed to making dental care more accessible and positive for everyone I work with. Outside of school and work, the most important relationship in my life is with my best friend. She lives 300 miles away, but we talk every day. She’s my biggest cheerleader and my emotional support system. I don’t have a large network of family or other support, so our friendship means the world to me. Her encouragement has helped me stay focused and reminded me of my worth when things felt overwhelming. I’m also incredibly passionate about helping animals. I’ve always had a strong connection to them, and I hope to one day have a home where I can rescue dogs and other animals that need safety, love, and care. My long-term dream is to combine my career in dental hygiene with ongoing volunteer work and community outreach—whether it’s offering free dental care days or supporting local shelters and animal welfare organizations. Receiving this scholarship would ease a major financial burden. Dental hygiene programs are intense and expensive, and every dollar goes toward clinical supplies, textbooks, tuition, and basic living expenses. This scholarship would allow me to focus more on my education, reduce the amount of time I need to spend working, and help me stay on track to graduate. It would also give me more freedom to volunteer and stay involved in community efforts while I’m in school. My goal is to create a life where I can help both people and animals in meaningful ways. With the help of this scholarship, I’ll be one step closer to doing just that.