“It’s not about where you start; it’s about how you finish your journey.”
Denai’s nontraditional path led her to discover her true calling in dental hygiene and embrace the power of community college along the way.
Discovering Her Path
Denai started her career in the orthodontic field, enjoying the relationships she built with her patients but feeling that something was still missing. “There was something missing in me, and I couldn’t figure it out,” she recalls. Despite her love for her team and her work, she yearned for something more—something deeper.
Her desire to make a real difference in people’s lives led her to pursue dental hygiene. “People want that million-dollar smile, but they don’t put the time and effort into healthy teeth,” she explains. “It’s like getting a Bentley and not going in for an oil change. Why would you do that?” Her commitment to advocating for positive dental hygiene fueled her decision to take the leap and return to school.
Why Community College?
Denai chose to start her journey at Tarrant County Community College. The affordability and proximity of her local community college made her decision easy. As she nears the end of her journey at Tarrant County Community College, she is happier now than ever with her decision to attend a community college. She believes that more people should be aware of the nontraditional route to success—starting at a community college and finishing strong. “It’s not about where you start; it’s about how you finish your journey.”
The Impact of the Chime Scholarship
The Chime Scholarship has been life-changing for Denai, providing her much-needed financial flexibility. Thanks to the Chime Scholarship, she’s minimized her need for student loans and focused more on her studies. “It’s really helped me focus on what I’m passionate about.”
Looking Ahead
Denai’s journey is far from over. Her ultimate goal is to spread the word about dental hygiene, potentially even becoming a public speaker and advocate. She knows that with education and experience, she can reach those heights.
For Denai, this scholarship isn’t just financial support—it’s a vote of confidence. And with that confidence, she’s ready to conquer her next chapter, one smile at a time.