Today we’d like to introduce you to LouAnn Garza.
Hi LouAnn , we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I am Dream Achiever, LouAnn Garza, RDH! My dream for over 20 years of becoming a Registered Dental Hygienist has become a reality. I am the oldest of 2. My dad finished 11th grade and my mother 6th grade. I am the first in my immediate family to go to college. I have been through a lot– marriage, having babies (3 vultures: 18,17, & 13 yr olds) divorce, being a single parent, working multiple jobs, and most recently losing my only brother. In 2021 on my first day of the dental hygiene program my only brother passed away on my first day of the dental hygiene program. Yet, I have never given up on accomplishing this dream. In 2002 as a high school graduate, I pursued my pre-reqs and co-reqs in efforts to apply to the dental hygiene program, however I didn’t have much support and I was navigating a whole new system. I didn’t realize that my classes would expire within 5 years so I continued to start over many times. Upon finally being accepted into the program, we were highly advised to be full time students. Capital Idea and The Dream Come True Foundation helped me secure my spot within the dental hygiene program. If it weren’t for a program like Capital Idea and this foundation, I would have been working 3 jobs, trying to stay afloat in this vigorous program, and possibly have failed. Capital Idea along with the Dream foundation provided financial support, mentors who provided motivation, and a tight circle of friendships that provide essential networking. I feel so blessed to have found this program in efforts to achieve my goals and dreams.
My mother was born in Mexico and had 12 siblings growing up. She had to “grow up” fast and tend to her brothers as they had to go to work. My mother was waking up at 4am making tortillas from scratch to make breakfast tacos for each of her brothers and then get ready for school. Unfortunately she only made it until the 6th grade. My father only made it to the 11th grade. I grew up watching my parents live paycheck to paycheck. Growing up I knew I wanted more than that & especially after having children of my own, I realized I wanted my children to discover the world with their own eyes and not through google.
One of the top reasons for not continuing education is due to having financial hardship. Many have to work in order to pay for college and all that comes with it. Purchasing supplies, books and tuition can cost an entire paycheck! In the past I have worked up to 3 jobs and have attended school at night. It has taken me over 20 years to become a dental hygienist. Through marriage, having babies and divorce I have proceeded to continue my education to get to where I am today.
In 2012, I “RE-began” my journey of pursuing dental hygiene. I know that is not a word. However, it best expresses how I can describe the 2nd beginning of this long journey bc it was in 2002 right out of high school that I began this dental hygiene journey. As life would have it, I got married and had babies. I wanted my children to see that “mommy” graduated from college. I obtained my Associate Degree in Liberal Arts of Science. Because I am a first generation minority, I didn’t really understand that this was not a means to get a better paying job. In my head, I figured, “degree=money.” That was not the case with this degree I obtained. It was a harsh reality check. Soon I found myself divorced with three children to look after. I knew I needed to continue the journey of security. That security was becoming a dental hygienist.
Capital Idea & the Dream Foundation immensely helped me financially to make this dream a reality. Throughout life I have made choices that caused a setback in my dreams of achieving my goals. I have always known that I wanted to be a dental hygienist. I am a first generation college student so I did not have proper direction, and those in the college level areas of which I approached, failed me. In a sense, the system failed me. The advisors and counselors I encountered saw me as more of a number to follow through than a person which needed guidance. I was never told in my entire career that I would have to accomplish finishing my pre-reqs and co-reqs within 5 yrs of taking them before applying to the dental hygiene program. I persevered. I took the pre-reqs and co-reqs twice only to accomplish this dream of mine. I can’t think of anyone that would even think about re-taking so many classes to achieve their goals. It has taken me 20 years! Through marriage, having babies, getting divorced and being a single mother of teens I have accomplished a lot. I often say that I am the “Rudy” of dental hygiene. Supporting my children and my mother have always been my motivation.
Mentorship is important in the sense that it gives one accountability. There’s dreams and then there’s responsibility. When a foundation and program invests in you, you are held accountable to finish what you started. No one in these programs gave me the answers and hovered over me, but they did ck in on me, ask me for my report cards, and ensured that I was in the correct mindset to finish the race.
I graduated in May. By June 12th I received my license to work and on the 14th I began working as a temp all over Austin. I chose this route because it is the highest paid and I had to do something fast to bring money into my household. The scholarships, financial aid and all monetary assistance was gone! July 13th I was able to fulfill another life long dream! I went to Paris, France! (My entire house is Paris themed!) It was surreal!! I was able to pay my rent on my own, my bills and travel! My children see that my hard work has paid off. They too have been enjoying my money of course. 2 of my kids got to see Drake in concert for their birthdays! My oldest has been to Germany & my 2 others will be visiting Japan next summer. My dream of my children seeing the world through their eyes an not through google is coming true.
I plan on continuing my education soon. I want to pursue my bachelors degree and pursue a career in sales or become a professor at ACC in the dental hygiene program. Long term dream and goal would be to become Dr. LouAnn (in education of course).
Education is what has allowed me to accomplish my dreams and goals. I am not finished yet. What I will advise any young person is to start now! Inform yourself! Make sure that your classes don’t expire and just keep pushing. Older folks- it’s never too late! I’m about to be 40 and just started!! With programs like Capital Idea and The Dream Come True foundation it is possible to persevere!
First of all I want to thank Capital Idea, Steve Jackobs- who had a front row seat as not only my patient, but my testing patient! (He’s still alive! WE PASSED!) I want to thank the Dream Foundation: Bob & Elizabeth, my mentors throughout the program ..Nina Almacy & all the faculty at ACC.
I’m so grateful.
Thanks to the board of trustees, my dream for over 20 years of becoming a Registered Dental Hygienist has become a reality. I am the oldest of 2. My dad finished 11th grade and my mother 6th grade. I am the first in my immediate family to go to college. I have been through a lot– marriage, having babies (3 vultures: 18,16, & 12 yr old) divorce, being a single parent, working multiple jobs, and most recently losing my only brother. In 2021 on my first day of the dental hygiene program my only brother passed away on my first day of the dental hygiene program. Yet, I have never given up on on accomplishing this dream. In 2002 as a high school graduate, I pursued my pre-reqs and co-reqs in efforts to apply to the dental hygiene program, however I didn’t have much support and I was navigating a whole new system. I didn’t realize that my classes could expire within 5 years so I continued to start over many times. Upon finally being accepted into the program, we were highly advised to be full time students. Capital Idea and The Dream Come True Foundation helped me secure my spot within the dental hygiene program. If it weren’t for a program like Capital Idea and this foundation, I would have been working 3 jobs, trying to stay afloat in this vigorous program, and possibly have failed. Capital Idea along with the Dream foundation provided financial support, mentors who provide motivation, and a tight circle of friendships that provide essential networking. I feel so blessed to have found this program in efforts to achieve my goals and dreams.
I am most proud of overcoming obstacles like that of losing my brother that could have caused me to quit and try applying the following year..Capital Idea & The Dream Foundation were quick to provide emotional support and reiterated that I could do this and I did! I am the “Rudy” of dental hygiene!
One of the top reasons for not continuing education is due to having financial hardship. Many have to work in order to pay for college and all that comes with it. Purchasing supplies, books and tuition can cost an entire paycheck! I am currently a single mother of 3, a full time student and a part time substitute teacher for AISD. In the past I have worked up to 3 jobs and have attended school at night. It has taken me over 20 years to get into the dental hygiene program. Through marriage, having babies and divorce I have proceeded to continue my education to get to where I am today. Receiving the scholarship will help me to continue to focus on my studies as opposed to working more and losing precious study time. I am in a vigorous program taking pharmacology, preventative, dental materials and clinic 2 where I am starting to see patients at ACC. It is my second semester and I have to focus more than ever! In the past, the obstacles I have overcome were having to focus while working 3 jobs. I did it! It was not easy at all. There were countless times I was so sleepy but had to push through and wake up extra early to get that extra study session in. I’m currently overwhelmed with the workload of assignments, quizzes, exams and study times but I am still pushing through to reach my dream of being a registered dental hygienist. My educational goals are to be a dental hygienist, practice for about 5 years and then pursue my bachelor’s. I ultimately would love to gain my masters and doctorates in education within the dental field. I know that once I am more financially stable I can accomplish these goals, but now I need your financial assistance so that I can have one less burden to stress about. The scholarship will assist me in paying for my rent. That is my biggest financial stress. Having 3 children makes it difficult for me to move in with roommates or with my parents. My current living situation is that I rent a 2 bedroom apt. My 3 children share one room. My dream is for each one of my children to experience having their own room, however, I will be graduating with my oldest who’s 17 in May of 2023. I am currently blessed to have the Capital Idea program fund my tuition. I also have the assistance of the DREAM foundation which assists me with funds to use as I need. I currently have been using it towards the rent as well. My rent is $1625 a month and is going up to $17525 this year as I renew my lease. This scholarship will assist me in paying my rent. I am currently on the opinion panel of the board for the DREAM foundation. This is in efforts to reach out to our Latin community population since I am a Latina. Thank you for your time and your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you!
I am the hardest working person in the room because I am the “underdog.” Throughout life I have made choices that caused a set back in my dreams of achieving my goals. I have always known that I wanted to be a dental hygienist. I am the first generation college student so I did not have proper direction, and those in the college level areas of which I approached failed me. In a sense, the system failed me. The advisors and counselors I encountered saw me more of a number to follow through than a person which needed guidance. I was never told in my entire career that I would have to accomplish finishing my pre-reqs and co-reqs within 5 yrs of taking them before applying to the dental hygiene program. I however persevered. I have now taken the pre-reqs and co-reqs twice only to accomplish this dream of mine. I can’t think of anyone that would even think about re-taking so many classes to achieve their goals. It has taken me 20 years! Through marriage, having babies, getting divorced and now being a single mother of teens I have accomplished a lot. I often say that I am the “Rudy” of dental hygiene. Supporting my children and my mother have always been my motivation. I am so happy that I am halfway to reaching my goal!
My mother was born in Mexico and had 12 siblings growing up. She had to “grow up” fast and tend to her brothers as they had to go to work. My mother was waking up at 4am making tortillas from scratch to make breakfast tacos for each of her brothers and then get ready for school. Unfortunately she only made it until the 6th grade and was forced to work to help the family out. My mother has been working hard her entire life as a custodian. From hotels to the school district, that is all my mother has been – a “cleaning lady.” She has encouraged me and supported me throughout my entire journey of continuing my education. I am so close to finishing too! I will graduate in May 2023 as a registered dental hygienist. All the hard work and dedication will pay off and it will have been thanks to my mother. She is my inspiration and I cannot wait to take care of her.
One of the top reasons for not continuing education is due to having financial hardship. Many have to work in order to pay for college and all that comes with it. Purchasing supplies, books and tuition can cost an entire paycheck! I am currently a single mother of 3, a full time student and a part time substitute teacher for AISD. In the past I have worked up to 3 jobs and have attended school at night. It has taken me over 20 years to get into the dental hygiene program. Through marriage, having babies and divorce I have proceeded to continue my education to get to where I am today. Receiving the scholarship will help me to continue to focus on my studies as opposed to working more and losing precious study time. I am in a vigorous program taking Dental Hygiene Practice, Applied Community, Dental Hygiene Care II, and seeing patients in the clinic every Friday and Saturday. It is my last semester and I have to focus more than ever! In the past, the obstacles I have overcome were having to focus while working 3 jobs. I did it! It was not easy at all. There were countless times I was so sleepy but had to push through and wake up extra early to get that extra study session in. I’m currently overwhelmed with the workload of assignments, quizzes, exams and study times but I am still pushing through to reach my dream of being a registered dental hygienist. My educational goals are to be a dental hygienist, practice for about 5 years and then pursue my bachelor’s. I ultimately would love to gain my masters and doctorates in education within the dental field. I know that once I am more financially stable I can accomplish these goals, but now I need your financial assistance so that I can have one less burden to stress about. The scholarship will assist me in paying for my rent. That is my biggest financial stress. Having 3 children makes it difficult for me to move in with roommates or with my parents. My current living situation is that I rent a 3 bedroom apt. My 2 boys share a room and my daughter has her own. My dream is for each one of my children to experience having their own room, however, I will be graduating with my oldest who’s 18 in May of 2023. This scholarship will assist me in paying my rent. I am currently on the opinion panel of the board for the DREAM foundation. This is in efforts to reach out to our Latin community population since I am a Latina. Thank you for your time and your consideration. I look forward to hearing from you!
Humility. Like all moms, I want my son to be successful in whatever he takes on. …
#2 Contentment. …
#3 Dependability. …
#4 Grit, determination and diligence. …
#5 Patience. …
#6 Honesty. …
#7 Courage. …
#8 Compassion.
To whom it may concern;
I am writing with the utmost confidence to recommend LouAnn Garza for the Mitty Guerra Memorial Scholarship. LouAnn was my employee for over 7 years and it is during this time that I had the pleasure of getting to know her very well. Throughout the years I have observed LouAnn juggle single motherhood, working a second job, going to school and keeping up with her studies all while working for me as my front office staff at Reilly Elementary. As a principal I know how educational efforts, work ethic and character are important to one’s determination in reaching success. LouAnn’s work ethic includes reliability, dependability, cooperation, professionalism and determination. I would describe LouAnn to be honest, courageous, compassionate and very friendly. She is a “go-getter” and I believe she will accomplish all of her goals. Her journey is inspiring and shows that she will not give up until she reaches her dream of becoming a dental hygienist. I highly recommend LouAnn Garza for the scholarship in order to assist her financially. Thank you for your consideration.
In 2012, I “RE-began” my journey of pursuing dental hygiene. I know that is not a word. However, it best expresses how I can describe the 2nd beginning of this long journey. When I graduated high school in 2002 I began my journey of becoming a registered dental hygienist by taking pre-requisites. As life would have it, I got married and had babies. Through the ups and downs of life, I continued off and on to take the adequate courses necessary. I took both the pre-requisites and co-requisites according to the dental hygiene criteria. To my demise, once I had finished it all and ready to apply to the program, I was informed that most of my core science classes had been expired passed the 5 year mark. Devastated, I decided to pursue whatever was closest to getting me a degree. I wanted my children to see that “mommy” graduated from college. I obtained my Associate Degree in Liberal Arts of Science. Because I am a first generation minority, I didn’t really understand that this was not a means to get a better paying job. In my head, I figured, “degree=money.” That was not the case with this degree I obtained. It was a harsh reality check. Soon I found myself divorced with three children to look after. I knew I needed to continue the journey of security. That security is becoming a dental hygienist. It is the only career choice I have ever wanted. Capital Idea has immensely helped me financially to make this dream a reality. I have retaken all the pre-reqs and co-reqs required, I have applied to the program, and now Lord willing I will graduate in May 2023. ACC can continue to help me achieve my goals by taking care of me and my family financially so that I can focus on this life long dream! I am a single mother of 3 and I need all the assistance possible! The burden of finances alleviated will be a great blessing. I pray and hope that you can see that I have persevered and made it this far! I just need a little help. I am almost there! Class of 2023. I can almost taste it!! Thank you for your consideration. I appreciate any small or large amount that will help me finally achieve my dreams and goals in order to better support my family.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
No, my first day of Dental Hygiene school- my only brother passed away. I feel like I had to neglect my 3 children to pursue this career as a single mother.
Being a single mom is hard on its own. Now add 3 “vultures”- it’s what I playfully call my children & low income. I am proud to have accomplished a dream of mine with the assistance of such programs like Capital Idea and The Dream Come True Foundation. It would have been impossible otherwise. Some of the most difficult times were when I had to leave my children for hours due to studying. At the time I was working as a substitute for AISD. I have to confess that every chance I got free from the students, it was study time! In overcoming these challenges I learned that my children were flexible and on board with my achievements.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I’m a health provider. I’m a dental hygienist. I’m most proud of the accomplishment in finishing this career that took me over 20 yrs to obtain, the money that I make and how it’s allowed me to see over 17 countries! What sets me apart from others is that I will not give up if God continues to grant me life.
Before we let you go, we’ve got to ask if you have any advice for those who are just starting out?
Every day is one opportunity to be closer to your goal. Start now, start tomorrow. Next year you will be closer to your goal or in the same position. Which will it be?
Contact Info:
- Instagram: luwaners
