Support Mushtaq's Dream to Serve the Underserved

Help Mushtaq Pursue His Dream of Serving Underserved Communities as a Dentist

Hello friends, family, and kind strangers,

My name is Mushtaq Wahidy. I am a first-year dental student at the University of Minnesota, and I am reaching out for your help to continue my education.

My Journey

I grew up in Kabul, Afghanistan, as part of the Hazara ethnic minority. Life was never easy, and accessing basic necessities, including dental care, was a privilege many in my community could not afford. At a young age, I witnessed the transformative power of education and healthcare through an organization that supported street children. That experience sparked a dream in me—to become a dentist and bring quality healthcare to underserved communities like my own. There, I founded Youth's Mirror, a nonprofit organization supporting 500 Afghan children trapped in child labor by providing education and access to medical and dental care. This initiative reinforced my passion for dentistry and public health.

At 17, I moved to Minnesota alone to pursue a better future. I studied in an international high school and then attended Gustavus Adolphus College, where I majored in Biology.

Today, as a dental student, I am committed to improving access to oral healthcare, particularly for immigrants and refugees, including Afghan newcomers.

The Challenge

Despite receiving a nearly 50% scholarship, I am facing significant financial hurdles. As an asylum seeker, I am not eligible for federal loans or many traditional forms of financial aid. My financial situation has worsened, and without a cosigner, securing private loans is nearly impossible.

To continue my education, I need to cover the cost of tuition for the past semester so I can continue the spring semester until I find a cosigner. I have explored every option—meeting with university advisors, applying for scholarships, and seeking community support—but I am still short on funds.

How You Can Help

I have created this GoFundMe to raise $7,000, which will go directly toward my tuition for the fall semester.

Your Impact

Your generosity will not only help me stay in dental school but also bring me closer to achieving my dream of serving underserved communities. My goal is to work in public health dentistry, providing affordable care to those who need it most. By investing in my education, you are investing in a future where more people have access to life-changing dental care.

Gratitude

I am deeply grateful for your support. Every bit helps, and I promise to pay it forward in my work as a dentist and community advocate.

Thank you for believing in me and my mission.

With gratitude,

Mushtaq Wahidy