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Hey, I need your help making my life goals a reality! I’m on my last year at the University of Maryland, pursuing a bachelor's degree in general biology and soon will be heading to dental school I want to pursue dentistry to be able to build someone’s confidence with a perfect smile. I can relate to this first hand, as I was insecure about my teeth before braces ,however, finally being happy with my smile has made me so much more confident, and it is something I want to share with others. As a first generation Haitian- American, I visit my parents country very often and I have seen people living in poor conditions. When I see how much it is impacting their health, I can understand why the last thing people in this condition worry about is their teeth. I have seen first hand the consequences of neglecting dental care, through my father having so many cavities and chipped teeth. I want to experience the change that can be made on this trip and continue it afterwards. The University of Maryland is a chapter of Global Dental Brigades, which is an international movement of students and medical professionals working alongside local communities and staff to implement sustainable health systems. Global Brigades will offer me 7-9 days of a Dental Brigades opportunity in Honduras. Dental Brigade volunteers have the opportunity to shadow licensed dentists in urgent and preventive dental services in communities with limited access to healthcare. Dental Brigades also focuses on prevention with dental hygiene workshops. They work in remote, rural, and under resourced communities in countries like Honduras, Panama, Nicaragua and Ghana, many of which would otherwise have limited or no access to health care. I have applied and been accepted to be a volunteer with University of Maryland Dental Brigade on January 2019 in Honduras. I am so excited for this opportunity, but desperately need your help! This trip costs $1,580, and because I am also paying for my tuition, and I cannot pay for this trip alone. If you would like to support me in following my dreams and getting one step closer to my career as a dentist, you can donate to me by just following the instructions in this link : https://fundraise.globalbrigades.org/empowered/chapter/university-of-maryland-dental-brigades-chapter/donate/university-of-maryland-dental-brigade-january-2019-honduras/member:francine-bissereth All you need to do is insert my name in the field: “Make a donation on behalf of a fundraiser: Francine Bissereth.” I am also required to collect at least 30 toothpaste tubes (mini travel size), at least 30 toothbrushes, and at least 30 floss sticks. Any thing helps! Thank you for your support, and please feel free to reply with any comment, questions or concerns.