I survived my first week of optometry school, and the second week went by just as fast!
SCO definitely knows how to get its first-year students to hit the ground running once school starts. Within the first few days I had already had several quizzes. I even had my first official professional school exam this past Thursday. I feel like I finally made it to the big leagues! Now, I'll just need to maintain that momentum as there's at least one exam every week from here on out this semester.
The labs have really complimented the lecture courses, as well. I've definitely gravitated towards my Theory and Methods lab, where within the first week I was already learning how to calibrate a schematic eye and use the retinoscope to diagnose myopia/hyperopia. This week we added cylinders to our retinscopy practice, and by the end of September, I'll have graduated to using the phoropter (you know, that giant eye mask looking instrument with knobs on it that the eye doctor puts in front of your face) to practice measuring refractive error . I almost feel like I'm ready for the clinic...well almost!
I've been amazed at how fast I've caught on to life as an optometry student. Sure the workload is a lot, but I've found a good rhythm between studying, working at The Eye Center at SCO, club meetings, studying some more, and living life. I've made many new friends in optometry school and we've all been great at encouraging each other through our studies and making sure we take time to relax at least an itsy-bit between our studying too. It's funny to say that since I only just finished my second week, but I feel like I've been at SCO for ages (and that's in a very good way!).
Recently, there was an involvement fair on campus for first-years, and while it was tempting to sign-up for each and every one of those clubs, I limited my choices to just a few for now. I joined the Optometry Private Practice club which brings a variety of optometrists on campus to speak to students about their successful and diverse practices. I also joined the optometry social fraternity, Omega Delta, which hosts several fun events throughout the school year for students, like its highly anticipated Halloween costume party in October. I am also running for a class officer position on student government, so wish me luck! Between all that, I'm looking forward to what this year holds for me.
Also, I saw SCO's first applicant interview group for the Class of 2016 make its rounds on Friday...boy do I remember being in those same dress shoes. Be confident and best of luck to all the applicants this year.
Thanks for checking out this blog, even though it was a tad long this time around (there's just so many good things to write about!). And for all of you first-years out there, I hope you all got a good chuckle out of the 'accommodating' pun title.
Here we go Class of 2015...Week 3 awaits!
Carpe Diem,
Amy