Tuition for DACA dental student

Hi everyone, my name is Josue Tellez, and I am a DACA recipient originally from Nicaragua but I was raised in Asheboro, NC from the age of 6. While in high school, I decided to become a dentist to create a positive change in the dental care of the Hispanic community. Hispanics are one of the most underserved and underrepresented in dentistry. Being undocumented, I have faced and overcame many obstacles on the way to achieving my dream. I worked full time, went to school full time, and volunteered both at community college and later at UNC Charlotte while finishing my bachelor’s degree in biology. My journey has not been easy. There are not many scholarships available to undocumented students, and the federal and state government here in NC does not give any financial aid to “Dreamers.” I have also been charged out-of-state tuition at all institutions since I started college. I have missed out on countless enrichment programs and internships that do not allow DACA students to participate, including overseas medical brigades that would require me to leave the country as I would not be allowed back in. Regardless of the setbacks, I was not discouraged, my passion for dentistry was cemented when I was able to shadow a local dentist. I persevered and focused on my education, managing to be on the Dean’s list at UNCC several times. This included my last semester when I took 18 credit hours and worked to pay my rent.

All of this hard work paid off on March 17, 2021, when I was accepted to THE Virginia Commonwealth University School of Dentistry!!! While I am beyond happy to see my dreams coming true, I now face another huge obstacle because I will again be charged out-of-state tuition (rightfully so for the first time) and have no access to financial aid, most scholarships, or federal student loans. Like many people, I have been out of work since the start of the pandemic. Not only did I lose my job but my mother, who has always fought for me and encouraged me to follow my dreams, lost hers as well. Becoming a dentist and helping my community has always been my dream. In the future, I hope to provide essential dental care to all underserved people in my community. Thank you for taking the time to hear my story. I would be incredibly grateful for any donations or shares!