My ambition to become a dentist and practice in underserved community clinics comes from my experiences living in the Texas Rio Grande Valley. My hometown, Los Fresnos, is between two of the poorest cities in America - Brownsville and Harlingen. Some areas of Los Fresnos have more than 90% of families living below the poverty line with average household incomes below $15,000. Many who live near the poverty line rely on inexpensive or government clinics to receive health care. As a resident of this town, I have been a part of these statistics, as well as my friends, family, and the students I work with.
I have experience working with underserved populations primarily through my work with elementary school students within the Los Fresnos school district. My position as an assistant with the Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) program at Las Yescas Elementary has given me invaluable experience. This program provides children with the opportunity to engage in activities and get help with homework that they otherwise would not get at home. Working with these students, many of which live in the poorest neighborhoods of Los Fresnos, has been a humbling experience. Over the time I have spent working here, I have been given the chance to get to know our students and their families which has enabled me to better understand their living circumstances. Many of our students in the program live in …show more content…
My hope is to provide the best possible patient care regardless of a person’s nationality, economic status, or academic education. I truly believe that improving health care within communities can begin with just a few healthcare professionals with true compassion for their patients. If I can help one person, I am really helping their entire family, and if I can help one family, I can help an entire
I have experience working with underserved populations primarily through my work with elementary school students within the Los Fresnos school district. My position as an assistant with the Afterschool Centers on Education (ACE) program at Las Yescas Elementary has given me invaluable experience. This program provides children with the opportunity to engage in activities and get help with homework that they otherwise would not get at home. Working with these students, many of which live in the poorest neighborhoods of Los Fresnos, has been a humbling experience. Over the time I have spent working here, I have been given the chance to get to know our students and their families which has enabled me to better understand their living circumstances. Many of our students in the program live in …show more content…
My hope is to provide the best possible patient care regardless of a person’s nationality, economic status, or academic education. I truly believe that improving health care within communities can begin with just a few healthcare professionals with true compassion for their patients. If I can help one person, I am really helping their entire family, and if I can help one family, I can help an entire