United Methodist Support Fuels Crystal Nwabeke’s Journey at Meharry Medical College

For Crystal Nwabeke, a first-year dental student, United Methodist scholarships have alleviated financial stress, allowing her to focus on what matters most: her education at Meharry Medical College, her community and her future patients.

Nwabeke’s journey to dental school began in her hometown outside Dallas, where her parents — immigrants who deeply valued education — instilled in her the importance of hard work and perseverance. “My long-term aspiration is to bridge the gap in oral healthcare disparities, particularly in low-income communities and immigrants.”

Thanks to the support of United Methodist scholarships, Nwabeke can focus on her studies without the constant worry of financial strain. She received the Harry R. Kendall Graduate Leadership Development Grant, the UM Allocation Award and the Catherine Scholarship.

“Your scholarships have provided me with the means to cover my rent and living expenses, allowing me to focus entirely on my studies and the pursuit of my degree,” Nwabeke said. “This support has made a profound impact on my educational journey, and I am forever thankful for your generosity.”

Nwabeke’s passion for dentistry goes beyond oral health—she believes in its power to transform lives. “The mouth is not only functional but powerful; healing here means healing on many levels,” she says. “Having experienced the transformative power of dental care firsthand, I am determined to bring that same happiness and confidence to others. My goal as a dentist is to provide safe, equitable, and comfortable care to those who need it most.”

Beyond her academic pursuits, Nwabeke is active in her church and the Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority. She’s committed to service and leadership, values that align with her education at Meharry, where she is learning not just to treat patients but to make a difference in her community.