Choosing a Life of Service
Choosing a major was daunting. How could I choose a career path at 17 years old when I did not even know myself yet? You might be at that same point – what career path should I pursue?
From Shy Kid to Patient Care Enthusiast: How I Knew Optometry Was Perfect for Me
Having a job in which I would be interacting with new people daily sounded like something I would never sign up for. How did I get here, and how did I know that optometry was the right career path for me?
Adventures of a 4th Year: Episode 3 by Tiffany Chan
As part of SCCO’s Clinical Outreach program and beginning in the summer quarter of each year, 4th-year students begin their first of four clinical rotations. This clinical program consists of many sites all over the U.S., with some sites in Canada, Japan, and Guam. Sites can be in private […]
You Are Not Alone
Amongst the various pre-med and pre-PA students, I found myself to be the only person pursuing optometry. SCO didn’t have any pre-optometry programs, clubs, or optometrist alumni to share their wisdom. I was alone, but I was determined. This was the career I wanted to pursue.
Why I Chose SCCO
During my application process, I attended SCCO’s summer admissions workshop, Eryn Kraning’s SCCO presentation at U See Eyes, and finally interview day. The welcoming atmosphere of the faculty and students paralleled that of all the SCCO alumni I had interacted with, making SCCO the right decision for me.
From MD to OD
Throughout high school and college, I worked tirelessly toward medical school. It wasn’t until I took a gap year and worked at an ophthalmology practice, I began to rethink my goals and future career.
Toxic Productivity Culture
Toxic productivity culture is a phenomenon that occurs when you push your body and mind to unhealthy extremes in the name of productivity, often at the expense of your physical and mental health. Many students feed into this mindset, even competing to see who has sacrificed more.
The Balancing Act: Prioritizing Mental Health as a Student
Before undergrad, I never considered that my education journey may be emotionally taxing – but it was. Between struggling to adjust to life away from my family, trying desperately to manage difficult coursework, imposter syndrome, and (poorly) putting on an act that everything was fine, I totally crumbled.
The Grad School Application | Figuring Out Your Identity & Letting Your Uniqueness Shine Through
Some identical twins I know can’t fathom being apart, but not me. Many people would find it exciting to have a twin, but it becomes a struggle when finding your own identity.
Using Your Gap Year(s) to Experience Life & Enhance Your Application
While at the time I felt I was “even more behind” in my journey to becoming an Optometrist, I soon realized as long as I continued working on my application (in all aspects, not purely optometry-related), then I wasn’t behind, and I wasn’t wasting time.
Optometry Admissions Blog 