Rooted in Service

Before celebrating her first birthday, Rosa Cortez and her family immigrated to the United States from Acapulco, Mexico, in search of greater opportunities. “My parents sacrificed so much, leaving behind their entire family, their life, and culture so that my siblings and I could have the opportunities they never had,” Rosa says.

Growing up in Midvale, Utah, Rosa attended Hillcrest High School, where she played soccer and earned a dental assisting certificate through the Canyons Technical Education Center. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but that program really sparked my passion for dental health,” she recalls.

As the first in her family to attend college, Rosa navigated higher education without guidance. “I didn’t know what classes to take, and I wasn’t sure if I would even be allowed to apply for scholarships,” she admits. Her DACA status compounded the uncertainty.

Determined to pursue her dreams, Rosa enrolled part-time at SLCC after graduation, paying tuition out of pocket while balancing multiple responsibilities and jobs, and caring for her parents, including her mother who lives with a chronic illness.

Despite the challenges, Rosa’s commitment to her education and her community never wavered. “I’ve known from an early age that I wanted to help people,” Rosa says. That calling led her to volunteer at local health fairs, where she served as a translator, and to work as a receptionist at a nonprofit dental clinic. “Volunteering has shown me just how great the need is and how even the smallest efforts can have a lasting impact.”

Rosa’s passion for dentistry is also deeply personal. “My family didn’t have dental insurance,” she shares. “Growing up, I didn’t have the same access to care that many of my peers did. That experience has stayed with me and motivates me to make a difference.”

While pursuing her education, Rosa works at SLCC’s library and serves as a mentor at the SLCC Dream Center helping fellow students navigate higher education. Today, she is on track to graduate in May 2026 with an Associate of Applied Science in Dental Hygiene, being the only DACA student in her cohort.

Rosa’s journey has been made possible by scholarships, including the Bruin Dreams Scholarship. “I feel incredibly blessed to have supporters who believe in me,” she says. “The scholarship made education affordable and allowed me to focus on pursuing my dreams.”

After graduation, Rosa hopes to work for a nonprofit dental clinic where she can serve those most in need. “I hope to help break down barriers to oral health care access,” she says. “I also plan to gain experience abroad, providing humanitarian dental care to underserved communities. In the long term, my goal is to continue my education and make oral health care accessible for everyone.”

Rosa continues, “I deeply appreciate everyone who has given; the donations have immensely impacted my future. Someday, I hope to pay it forward by supporting scholarships that help the next generation of students achieve their dreams.”