A series of articles written by SCCO Student Ambassadors.

Finding Community in a New State

by SCCO Student Ambassador, Kaylee Nguyen

Colorado has always been my home. However, there are no optometry schools in Colorado, so when I decided that I wanted to be an optometrist, I knew that following my dreams would also mean leaving the only home I had ever known.

Moving to a new state was one of the scariest things I have ever done. I had never moved away from home, and even though I had been to California a couple of times before, I had no idea what it would be like to live here.

I am someone who likes to do my research before I go anywhere new (and I always need to know the parking situation). For me, I was lucky enough to be able to visit MBKU during my in-person interview and to also plan another visit to California before I officially moved here. I used both opportunities to get myself situated and to picture what life could be like. I was able to find where the nearest gas station was, grocery store, medical office, etc., so I would not need to worry about those kinds of logistical things at the last minute. I practiced driving my commute to school so I could get used to the California roads and learn more about the surrounding area. Researching food and attractions in your new area can also help get you excited about the move and give you a bucket list of places to visit when you get there! If you move in a bit before school starts or plan a visit before you move in, you can familiarize yourself with the area even more.

My biggest piece of advice to help get settled in and create a new community in a new place is to be open-minded! Be open to exploring new places and new adventures. Even with all the research you do online, nothing will get you more immersed in your new environment than experiencing it yourself. When your new classmates mention one of their favorite restaurants in the area, don’t be afraid to tell them you’ve never tried it before. If they offer to take you to try it out, you can make new friends and explore the area at the same time!

When you get to school, it is important to remember that this is likely a new experience for everyone. If you do not know any of your classmates before starting school, you are not alone! Even for the most introverted among us (me included), being around so many people will motivate you to step out of your comfort zone and meet as many of your classmates as possible. You may find that you have more in common with them than you think. Especially when going into optometry school or another grad program, you know that your classmates and colleagues share a similar work ethic and desire to help people. Just continue to be true to yourself and you are sure to find your people wherever you are. Once you take that first step to talk to someone new, getting to know people will come naturally, regardless of where you come from! Keeping an open mind and taking the leap of faith to put myself out there has allowed me to meet some of the best people I now know, and I know that even though Colorado will always be my home, I have found a new and welcoming community here in optometry school!

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