Dear Mr. Kramp,

I would like to express a sincere thank you to the Linda Dunn Foundation for blessing me with this year’s scholarship. I would also like to thank Mr. Kramp and Karen Molumby for nominating me as one of the recipients. Words can not express how grateful I am. I feel extremely honored to have been recognized and inspired to provide the best care for my dental patients. 

 I am a mother, wife, and not only am I a sophomore student at FSW, I’m also completing my bachelor’s degree in dental hygiene at St. Pete. Dentistry is my destiny! When I was younger I was bullied just about every day for a class three malocclusion, an extremely noticeable underbite. This did not phase me, instead, it inspired me to be a dental assistant. In my senior year of high school, I graduated with honors and a dental assisting certificate. I worked as a dental assistant for 7 years. Throughout the years of working, I realized that hygienists have a beautiful relationship with their patients and I wanted to inspire someone’s life like I saw they did. Looking at Linda’s photos I can tell she was truly kind and compassionate. Reading her bio inspires me to be the best dental hygienist I can be. Helping my patients have a relaxing experience and ease any dental anxiety during their hygiene appointments like Linda provided to her patients. 

I lost my work-study position at school due to COVID, with the help of the Linda Dunn scholarship I’m able to use the funds to cover the expenses of my national boards, NBDHE. The stress of worrying about how I was going to pay has been lifted off my shoulders, now I can focus on studying and passing the NBDHE. Once I become a registered dental hygienist I have plans of going to schools within low SES, social-economic status to provide education about dental hygiene. I also have plans to travel overseas and volunteer with an organization to help children with craniofacial disabilities. Dentistry is my destiny. I can not say thank you enough for helping me reach my dreams. 

With thanks and appreciation, 

Selina Martinez