When I first started thinking about where to begin my optometry school application, I was stuck. I wondered, “What makes me a competitive applicant? What makes me someone who is not only well-rounded but also well-prepared to handle the rigors of optometry school?”
The application process for optometry school can be a very scary and stressful time in a student’s life. You take time to look back at everything you’ve done this far, and the age-old question arises: am I good enough for optometry school?
…a failing grade is not the end of the world. Despite being told this over and over, it’s easy to spiral into a feeling of dread or feel not good enough, and I’m here to reassure you that it will be alright.
In a perfect world, the path to optometry school would be smooth sailing. It would be easy peasy with no hiccups along the way. The reality is: the journey can be difficult and nonlinear for many of us, me included.
As a first-generation student, the thought of attending optometry school felt like a dream that was far out of reach.
…looking back, I can clearly see how saying “yes!” to opportunities (even when they were daunting) is what brought me here: absolutely thrilled to be starting optometry school.
From the festive decorations to the welcoming faculty members at check-in, my interview day felt more like a celebration rather than a test to see if I qualified for a spot in their incoming class.
I was born and raised in a country called Zambia. Growing up in Southern Africa gave me an amazing childhood, where many of my passions developed.
Though independence is vital, having the wisdom to know when help is needed and to accept it is just as valuable. Learning to ask for help has allowed me to grow into a more confident and open person.
I still remember how nervous I was when I went to my in-person interview for SCCO. However, I have no regrets making the decision to experience the interview in person.
Optometry Admissions Blog 