Optometry
I Chose Series
As I finish up my third year of Optometry school, it honestly feels surreal to think about how quickly the time has passed. We’ve officially completed the didactic portion of the program, and in just a couple of weeks, I’ll be taking boards. Looking back, it’s amazing to realize how much I’ve learned through classes, labs, and especially clinic. Being able to take what we learned and apply it while caring for patients has been one of the most meaningful and rewarding parts of my journey. The support from faculty, mentors, and my colleagues at the Pennsylvania College of Optometry (PCO) has played a huge role in shaping the doctor I am becoming.
Right now, my typical day looks a little different than it did earlier in the program. Most of my time is spent preparing for boards and reviewing everything we’ve learned over the past three years. It’s definitely a busy and focused time, but it’s also exciting knowing that this exam represents one of the final milestones before starting the next chapter of my training.
Throughout my time in the program, I’ve been grateful for opportunities to grow outside the classroom. I have the honor of serving on the Women in Optometry Student Advisory Board representing PCO, and I was also fortunate to participate in a Student Optometric Service to Humanity (SOSH) trip to Jamaica, where we provided care to underserved communities. Experiences like these have reminded me how powerful optometry can be in making a real difference in people’s lives.
Even during this intense study period, I try to keep balance in my days. Spending time with family, taking moments for self-care, and reminding myself why I started this journey helps keep me motivated and grounded during this final stretch.
After boards, I’ll be moving to Florida for my first clinical rotation. Over the next year, we’ll be completing externships at different sites, gaining hands-on experience and continuing to grow as future doctors. It’s incredible to think that after that year, it will finally be time to graduate and begin practicing.
I’m so proud of the entire Class of 2027 and everything we’ve accomplished together along the way. The friendships and support we’ve built throughout this journey have truly made us family. And a special shoutout to my OD girlies - my friends who supported me through every exam, clinic day, and long study night. I truly couldn’t have done this without them, and I’m so grateful we get to become doctors together.
I feel incredibly grateful and blessed to be living what once felt like an answered prayer. To anyone reading this who hopes to pursue a dream that feels big, never give up. Keep going, even when the journey feels challenging. Stay focused, believe in yourself, and trust that with hard work and determination, you can achieve anything you set your mind to.
