Class of 2020’s Erin Major

I have a new cub reporter. Her name is Erin Major, Class of 2020. She’s going to be helping me with the Blog, especially in the area of student life.

Erin hails from Colorado Springs, CO. She completed her undergrad degree at University of Colorado, Boulder. Southern California is sure to be a brand new experience for her, which I am certain will work its way into her narratives about student life at MBKU.

Here’s her first article about Club Night at MBKU…

by Erin Major, Class of 2020

Networking begins on your first day of optometry school as you begin meeting those who will one day be your mentors, business partners, and professional colleagues. However, pleasantly absent is the typical competitive undertone inherent in the networking process. You don’t even have to have handy those dreaded lists of your strengths and weaknesses or references.

All you have to do is show up and take advantage of everything Club Night at MBKU has to offer.

There are more than 12 clubs at MBKU, each offering students an exclusive opportunity to network within various settings. From advocating for our profession with congress to mission trips in Peru, you won’t find a lack of opportunity during your time here.

And did I mention the food? Taco Tuesday’s, ice cream socials, all-you-can-eat brunches, and maybe even a mimosa or two.

But the real reason to join one (or more!) of the clubs is because how club membership will benefit you and your future in the profession. For example:

Beta Sigma Kappa, the international optometric honor society, provides tutoring for students by students. This not only promotes collaboration between upper and lower classmen, but it also speaks to MBKU’s commitment to insure academic success for its students.

The Private Practice Club is for those who aspire to one day owning their own practices.  This club hosts guest speakers ranging from new graduates to experienced veterans who demystify the intricacies of running a business.

The College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD) is an international membership organization which helps students learn more about vision therapy and childhood development.

Here is the complete list of MBKU club opportunities for its students:

• AOSA (American Optometric Student Association)
• COA (California Optometric Association)
• American Academy of Optometry (AAO)
• American Optometric Association Political Action Committee (AOA-PAC)
• Armed Forces Optometric Society
• College of Optometrists in Vision Development (COVD)
• National Optometric Student Association (NOSA)
• Omega Delta
• Fellowship of Christian Optometrists
• Latter-Day Saints Student Association
• Beta Sigma Kappa Honor Society (BSK)
• Practice Management Club
• Spanish Optometric Society (SOS)
• Student Spouse Association

Club involvement is more than just a pin on your white coat. It’s the opportunity to listen to experienced guest speakers from across the nation. It’s a chance to shake the hand of the same person who upon graduation may offer you a job. It’s also a time to meet and serve with soon-to-be lifelong friends.

Optometry school is more than just four years of academia!