For DonorsFor Applicants
user profile avatar

Brandon Oakes

525

Bold Points

1x

Finalist

Bio

I went back to school to learn to become an optician and an optometrist. I think my interests have aligned me with one of my most basic needs - we all deserve to see more clearly.

Education

Middlesex Community College

Associate's degree program
2022 - 2024
  • Majors:
    • Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions
  • Minors:
    • Mathematics

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Opticianry

    • Dream career goals:

    • Pharmacy Technician

      CVS
      2018 – 20224 years

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      Eco Evolution in Norwalk, CT — Planter
      2023 – 2023

    Future Interests

    Advocacy

    Volunteering

    Philanthropy

    Entrepreneurship

    James Michael Morris Family Scholarship
    I am 25 I go to work I wear glasses They help me pierce through the brightness outdoors I can see the sun through its glare and feel its warmth shining on my face. I am 21 My eyes aren't getting better My doctor tells me it's worse since one or two years prior to now I understand and ask about contacts too I finally have enough to afford them again As I leave his office I let out a sigh of relief outside in the sunlight. I am 18 I graduated high school And am homeless And clueless Afraid of not knowing what to do It's a trek just to find the most basic things I can't see very well There is a scratched lens in front of my eye The tape holding my frame's hinge in place is loosening The sun sits still in the sky without a cloud in sight - it burns my vision wherever I set foot. I am 14 Just starting high school I need new glasses very soon I don't even know how I lost that tiny screw My dad berates me for being so careless It's not my fault I wear them all the time I need to replace them anyway Either I get new contacts or new glasses I can't remember the last time my eyes got checked It feels too bright for me to go outside and think. I am 10 I'm finally trying on contacts I am afraid But I need this I can't take on any more days being joked at school for my four eyes I have never placed my finger so close to my eyeball I keep dropping this small flimsy thing on my finger I'm holding my breath I look in the mirror as my eyes tear up This isn't fair But I just move on I have the lens on the tip of my finger Without taking another moment I tap my eye Every time I blink feels like an eternity But it's done As I walk outside I can see the sunset and can only think about how the rest of my family sees so well. I am 6 or 7 It's time for school Why am I always being told by the teacher to focus What is she doing when she rubs that marker on the wall Does everyone shut their eyes halfway when reading It's no better when we go outside to play My head is always facing the ground It's too bright I just want to be home All I want to do is watch TV Or play with my toys But they don't feel fun either Everything I do is always a foot from my face Why do my siblings sit on the couch while I have to sit right in front of the screen My dad always yells at me for that I don't get it My head hurts I can't even have fun outside while the sun hurts my eyes. It hurts when you can't see well When you're a kid You're almost invisible Even when all the signs are right in front of your face for the right people Some of us need a little extra help When you can't see like everyone else You are shut out from the world It's a choking feeling As someone that needed glasses so young If you are 6 or 7 Or even times 10 While we're on this earth We all deserve to see the sun and its warmth shining on our faces.