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AmeriCorps is a national service program that connects individuals with opportunities to serve in their communities across the country. Members contribute their time and skills to projects that focus on critical areas such as disaster relief, education, economic opportunity, health, environmental efforts, and supporting veterans and military families.
As an AmeriCorps member, I committed to giving back through hands-on service while pursuing my degree in dental hygiene. During the 2023–2024 academic year, I completed 300 hours of service in my community. For the current 2024–2025 school year, I am on track to complete 450 hours. The service activities listed below reflect the work I’ve done so far as a Student Dental Hygienist.
I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities AmeriCorps has provided. These experiences have shaped my dedication to community service, and I plan to stay actively involved long after graduation.
PROJECTS
PROJECTS
Volunteer Mobilization Project (2023-2024)
Volunteer Mobilization Project (2023-2024)
I led an initiative focused on promoting oral health among elderly residents at a care facility. With the help of a few friends, we assembled dental hygiene kits and provided education to both residents and their families. While the intent was simple—support preventive oral care for a vulnerable population—the experience revealed complex emotional and communication challenges. Many elderly individuals were hesitant to accept help with oral care, often viewing it as a loss of independence. This resistance, coupled with the discomfort some caregivers felt around personal hygiene tasks, highlighted a deeper societal stigma around aging and dependency.
Despite these obstacles, the experience was incredibly meaningful. It opened my eyes to the emotional weight that often accompanies caregiving and the importance of approaching it with empathy and respect. Promoting oral health in elderly care isn’t just about distributing toothbrushes—it’s about preserving dignity, supporting autonomy, and fostering a culture where aging is met with compassion. This project reaffirmed my passion for advocating holistic, accessible dental care and deepened my understanding of the unique needs of elderly and physically impaired individuals.
Volunteer Mobilization Project (2024-2025)
Volunteer Mobilization Project (2024-2025)
I mobilized 5 dedicated volunteers who collectively contributed 5 hours of service to support our community dental outreach project. While none of the volunteers were veterans or active-duty military, each person brought a willingness to help and learn, which made a meaningful impact.
Our project focused on assembling and distributing dental kits for both children and adults in underserved communities. Volunteers played a key role by helping sort, assemble, and pack the kits, each containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss. I guided them through the process, explaining the significance of each item and ensuring every kit was complete. These kits were shared with individuals and families who may not have had consistent access to dental care. By providing basic hygiene tools, we helped promote preventive care and empowered community members to take charge of their oral health. The experience was just as rewarding for the volunteers, many of whom left with a deeper appreciation for the oral health needs of our vulnerable populations.
Great Experience Reflections/Community Engaged Learning Reflections
Great Experience Reflections/Community Engaged Learning Reflections
Service Learning Great Experience Reflection II.pdfREFLECTION ESSAY.docxUDHA Lobby Day Service-Learning Reflection.pdfService-Learning Great Experience Reflection III.docxGreat Experience Reflection Essay IV (1).docxMouth Guard Service-Learning Reflection.docxannotated-REDO%20Post-Rotation%20Reflection%20%281%29.pdfPage updated
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