I hated going to the dentist as a kid, yet here I am pursuing dental hygiene. I was insecure about my teeth and terrified of the chair. The cold instruments, the overwhelming smell and taste of mint, the anxiety that came with someone examining my biggest insecurity– It was a lot for me as a child. What I needed back then was someone thoughtful, kind, and patient. Someone willing to accommodate my weird hatred for mint without making me feel like a burden. Since I did not get that, I have decided to become that person. Growing up, my family did not have the kind of financial stability that makes healthcare feel routine. Dental visits were stressful in more ways than one. I watched my parents navigate financial hardships to ensure we still received the care we needed, and it stuck with me. It shaped not only my drive to build a comfortable life for myself, but also to be able to repay them for the sacrifices they made. The fear I felt every time I was brought to the dentist is a feeling I want to eliminate for my patients. Dental hygienists are often the first point of trust a patient encounters in a clinical setting, and that role carries real weight. For children, especially, a hygienist who is warm, patient, and accommodating can be the difference between an entire lifetime of avoiding dental care and a lifetime of good oral health. My best appointments were not simply defined by getting a clean bill of health, but by the hygienists who took time to explain what they were doing, who offered alternatives to mint-flavored fluoride, and who treated my anxiety as something valid. Those small moments of care left a lasting impression, and they are exactly the type of practitioner I intend to be. As a woman entering healthcare, I bring a perspective that matters in clinical settings. Women and girls are too often dismissed when expressing discomfort or anxiety in medical settings– their concerns minimized, their pain underestimated. I have experienced this, and I know many of my future patients will have as well. I intend to be a direct counter to this pattern. My practice will make space for patients of all backgrounds, ages, and genders. Comfort and accommodation will not be an afterthought or a special request; they will be guaranteed before you even sit down. Dental hygiene is a field where showing up with empathy is a necessity. I am choosing this degree to build a life I am proud of, to support the family that raised me, and to ensure no one enters a dentist's office feeling the way I once did.

Leadership is not about holding a title or giving orders; it is about inspiring others, creating a vision, and fostering an environment where everyone feels valued and empowered. For me, leadership is rooted in empathy, using my experiences to uplift others, and a drive to leave a positive impact on the world. Growing up in a rural area with limited resources, I quickly learned the value of hard work and perseverance. My leadership journey began in high school, where I balanced academics, extracurricular activities, and community service while working to fund my dream of attending college. Juggling these responsibilities taught me resilience and the importance of setting goals, no matter the obstacles. As a first-generation student, I knew my journey wasn’t just about me—it was also about paving the way for my family and others like me. These experiences fueled my ambition to pursue higher education, despite the financial challenges ahead. To me, leadership also means being a role model and uplifting others. Whether it’s helping a friend with a personal challenge or volunteering at local events, I strive to lead with empathy, knowing that small acts of kindness can have a ripple effect. I also believe leadership is about inspiring others to embrace their uniqueness and stand up for what they believe in. As a queer individual, I have faced challenges in accepting my identity in a traditional community. These experiences have only strengthened my passion for ensuring that everyone feels valued and represented. I channel this passion into my creative work, developing artwork and stories that resonate with others and push the boundaries of conventional narratives. A pivotal moment in my leadership journey was my participation in Camp RYLA, a leadership camp where I was nominated and sponsored to attend. Engaging in workshops, community service, and team-building activities challenged me to step out of my comfort zone. One of the most memorable experiences was packaging food for the homeless and cleaning a building that supports women in need. This experience opened my eyes to the power of collective action and inspired me to take part in my community’s Prevention Coalition. Our group was committed to addressing the overdose crisis in our community—a problem that had touched many lives, including those of my peers. I took on a leadership role in advocating for the distribution of Narcan kits, a life-saving medication for opioid overdoses. Navigating this issue, especially when facing resistance from those unaware of the crisis’s severity, was challenging. However, my drive to make a difference kept me going. I helped organize meetings, collaborated with local health organizations, and spoke at events to raise awareness. Our efforts paid off when we successfully secured the distribution of Narcan kits in our community. In the future, I aim to continue leading by example—pursuing higher education, creating meaningful art, and advocating for social justice. I believe education is the key to unlocking potential and creating a more equitable society. By supporting students like me who are driven by ambition, we can create a ripple effect of positive change that will benefit future generations. Receiving this scholarship would not only support my educational goals but also enable me to continue my journey as a leader—one committed to making a lasting impact on my community and beyond.

To be born a woman is to inherit a legacy of both beauty and struggle. My journey through girlhood has been marked by profound challenges, from grappling with the male gaze to confronting my queer identity. These experiences have shaped me into the person I am today—resilient, empathetic, and determined to make a difference in the world. As a young girl, I struggled with the realization that my body was seen as something to be controlled, judged, and objectified. This feeling was compounded by my emerging understanding of my queerness. The fear, shame, and guilt that accompanied these realizations were overwhelming, leading me to feel isolated and out of place. My community did not make this journey of mine any easier. Growing up in a small town where traditional values prevailed, I quickly learned that being different came with a heavy price. Expressing myself openly led to ridicule, rejection, and harsh judgments. Rumors spread quickly, and the weight of internalized homophobia grew unbearable. I spent many nights in tears, wishing I could be "normal," begging to rid myself of this fundamental part of who I was. Perfectionism became my shield—a way to protect myself from the judgments of others and to suppress the restlessness within. But something inside me refused to be confined. Over time, I began to understand that the discomfort I felt was not a reflection of who I was, but rather a reaction to a world that was too small to contain me. As I grew older, I found strength in my identity, embracing the intricacies of womanhood, gender identity, and sexuality. These experiences, though difficult, have sculpted me into someone who can not only survive but thrive, despite the obstacles. Through this journey, I have come to embody the concept of Agape love—unconditional, selfless love that transcends fear and judgment. I have learned to love myself for who I am, and in doing so, I have found the strength to love and support others who are struggling. The hardships I have faced taught me the importance of authenticity, resilience, and empathy—values that I strive to live by daily. As a member of the National Honor Society, I devoted over 100 hours to community service, including helping organize blood drives and assisting with pancake breakfasts at a local senior center. Additionally, I was involved in a Prevention Coalition that successfully advocated for the distribution of Narcan kits, which are crucial in saving lives during opioid overdoses. I understand what it means to feel alone and unheard, and I’m committed to ensuring that others do not have to face their struggles in isolation. The Joy of Life Inspire Scholarship represents more than just financial support; it is a validation of the person I have become. It would allow me to continue my education and further my ability to contribute to the world around me. I am determined to use my voice, my experiences, and my passion to create a future where others can live without fear, without shame, and with the freedom to be entirely themselves. I have learned that our past does not define us; rather, refines us. It is our response to it that shapes our future. My journey has been one of transformation, from a girl who felt trapped by societal expectations to a woman who embraces her identity and uses it as a source of strength. I am determined to continue using my experiences and education to make a positive impact on the world around me. With this scholarship, I hope to continue on my path of growth, empowerment, and service to others.