Greetings, Blogosphere:
Boy, has the semester definitely begun! Second-years have only been in class for two weeks, but we’ve already acquired so many new skills. From learning the techniques of an anterior segment exam to stepping up our binocular indirect ophthalmoscopy with scleral depression, each new skill seems geared towards April’s pre-clinic checkouts.
Yet because school tends to consume my every waking (and sometimes dreaming) moment, I’d much rather update you all on some of the non-test and practical related adventures I’ve had these past two weeks.
I attended my second American Optometric Student Association (AOSA) Board of Trustees meeting, this time in St. Louis, MO. All 23 optometry schools were represented. We had a full agenda, which included electing our new Executive Council and interviewing applicants for our Executive Director position. It was definitely a nice change to be on the other side of the interview table for once ;)
I also have some exciting news to report from the meeting: Kate Huebner, SCO’s current AOSA Trustee, was selected as the national AOSA Trustee of the Year! Kate couldn’t have been a more deserving recipient of this award. She planned some great AOSA events at SCO, and Optifest saw its largest success under her leadership. Way to go Kate, you’re an amazing representative of SCO and optometry’s future! All-in-all, the AOSA continues to improve its collaborative efforts with the AOA and I’m looking forward to the progress the AOSA will continue to make on behalf of optometry students.
The January AOSA Board of Trustees meeting also signaled the transition of the Trustee-elects to Trustee. While I don’t officially transition into my new role as SCO’s Trustee until after spring break, I did organize my first official AOSA event solo, “Warming Up With AOSA!” This first year-only event was sponsored by VISTAKON and gave first-years the 4-1-1 on everything AOSA. At the event, first-years were able to enjoy coffee, hot chocolate, or cappuccinos (with all the fixings!), and make themselves huge candy treat bags. AOSA also gave away $200 travel grants for Optometry’s Meeting to three lucky first-years. I posted some event photos below…they’re pretty ‘sweet!’
My last hoo-rah is Eyeball this weekend, and then it’s back to exams and practicals. In my next blog post I’ll be sharing some insight into my spring class schedule and updating you all on my running escapades with Memphis’ Winter Cross Country Series.
Stay warm!
Carpe Diem,
Amy