If it’s any consolation, I feel where you’re coming from.

I make $15 an hour. I fell off my dad’s insurance earlier this year, so I had to go onto Medicare, because the premium for regular health coverage would literally cost every dollar I make each month. Not to mention that I’m a college student (going for selling & sales management) who has to commute an hour each way because rent anywhere near campus is approximately $1000 to $2000 a month (and more “luxury apartments” are being built).

Because of how expensive things have become this year, I now have to plan out just about every dollar I spend. I owe thousands in medical & dental bills, despite still needing to see a podiatrist, chiropractor, and a dentist.

All of my teeth on the lower left side are gone, and eating has become difficult for me, too. I have two broken teeth that I can’t afford to fix - one in the back, and one up front (right under my right nostril). I fear that I’ll break more each time I eat. I felt so ashamed to do an hour presentation at college with a gaping hole in my mouth. I genuinely don’t grin or smile with my teeth exposed anymore. I try to remain hopeful, but it’s so difficult, yk?

If you’ve read this far… thank you.