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.
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.
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.
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.
I fully understand why optometry is for me, and it gives me the strength to face the rigors of school. I wouldn’t be here without my experiences – they helped slowly forge an unwavering work ethic.
When I began my journey to optometry school, I never anticipated that hesitation would strike the moment it came to submitting my application.
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?”
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.
Optometry Admissions Blog 