Have you ever thought to yourself, “I want to go into healthcare, but I don’t know where to start?” If you have, then you and I already have something in common! Just like many students on the pre-health track, I went into college not knowing what I wanted to pursue.
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?
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.
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.
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.
It’s hard not to lose yourself in a new environment. You may feel pressured to be the best academically or socially, or it’s just that feeling of wanting to make the most out of your experience. This can leave you overwhelmed and make the journey stressful instead of memorable!
Optometry Admissions Blog 