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Class Year: 2024
List the award(s) / scholarship(s) you have received
Dr. Louis Herrmann Memorial Award for Outstanding Compassion in Patient Care
What does receiving this award or scholarship mean to you?
I am truly honored to have been awarded the Dr. Louis Herrmann Memorial Award for Outstanding Compassion in Patient Care. This recognition is a reaffirmation of my commitment to providing kind, tailored care to each patient — ensuring that each of them are comfortable in my exam chair, and leave their appointments feeling like their questions and concerns have been heard. It will remind me to never lose the spark or the drive that have motivated me so far throughout my clinical journey.
What drew you to the field of optometry?
The opportunity for meaningful, face-to-face connections with patients is what initially drew me to the field of optometry. There's something very rewarding about directly impacting someone's quality of life through the gift of clear vision, so that they can enjoy the world with clarity and confidence.
What are your plans following graduation?
After graduation, I will be working at a private practice in Austin, Texas.
What was your most transformative experience during optometry school?
All the people I met along the way, be it friends or patients or supervising doctors, have changed me over the past four years. I really grew into myself during my time at SUNY; I have always loved getting to know people around me, but since optometry school started I feel even brighter, more open, and even more genuinely happy to make personal connections than before.
What advice would you give incoming or prospective optometry students?
Enjoy your time here and use artificial tears during second year.
