A series of articles written by SCCO Student Ambassadors.

The Value of Community Service

by SCCO Student Ambassador, Kelly Cheng

Since attending my first vision screening years ago, community service has remained a cornerstone of my journey to becoming an optometrist. I believe that as healthcare providers, the most authentic and tangible way to recognize our impact on patients is through community service.

Community service provides practical clinical experience that is crucial to us as aspiring doctors. Throughout my time volunteering, I have evaluated and appreciated conditions that I had previously only studied in textbooks. The very first time that I was able to apply my didactic knowledge in a clinical setting was during a vision screening, and the feelings of awe and pride that I experienced were immeasurable. Demonstrating what I learned and accomplished in school through service was a testament to the knowledge and skills that I gained and will continue to gain over time.

Volunteering cultivates more than just clinical skills; it establishes leadership and interpersonal skills as well. Serving real patients with real visual concerns warrants adaptability and critical thinking, especially as a student who is constantly learning. A large fraction of both students and faculty at SCCO have been consistently active in volunteer work over the years. Unsurprisingly, this creates a community of like-minded and passionate individuals with a commitment to service.

Lions Club and SVOSH are two prominent community service clubs at SCCO that enable students to volunteer their time to aid communities both locally and internationally. As a member of both Lions Club and SVOSH, I have had the opportunity to supplement my education with hands-on experience while contributing my spare time to the wellness of various communities and patient populations. Participation in community service clubs on campus offers valuable opportunities to demonstrate clinical abilities in addition to providing avenues for board and leadership positions throughout school.

Finally, and most importantly, community service has granted me countless opportunities to simply connect with other human beings. Throughout my time at SCCO, nothing has been more fulfilling to me than interacting with and assisting individuals in need. Community service is one of the most grounding experiences that I have had the privilege of participating in, and I am looking forward to contributing my time to volunteering and aiding patients well into the future.

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