Resilience, Vision, and the Power of Education: A Journey to Own an Optical Shop As a non-traditional college student with a determination to own an optical shop, I have faced my share of challenges and setbacks. However, my unwavering commitment to my long-term goals and career aspirations has allowed me to overcome these obstacles and persevere. This essay explores my personal journey, highlighting the significance of this scholarship in making a difference for me. It also delves into my long-term goals and career aspirations, emphasizing my passion for owning an optical shop. Additionally, I will share a transformative experience that tested my physical and emotional strength, and how I overcame it while dealing with mental health issues. As an individual who suffers from mental health issues, I have recognized the power of resilience and the importance of pursuing my dreams despite the challenges I face. My long-term goal is to own an optical shop that not only provides essential eye care services but also prioritizes inclusivity, diversity, and community welfare. By creating a welcoming environment, offering quality eye care, and actively promoting mental health awareness, I aim to contribute to the well-being of individuals within my community while pursuing my passion for entrepreneurship and optometry. This scholarship will make a significant difference in my journey toward owning an optical shop. As a non-traditional college student, I have taken a non-linear path, facing financial limitations along the way. This scholarship will alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with tuition, textbooks, and other educational expenses, allowing me to focus on my studies and personal growth. It will provide me with the resources to further my education, acquire practical skills, and gain industry knowledge through internships and workshops. Ultimately, this scholarship will provide me with the foundation I need to establish myself as an entrepreneur in the optical industry and contribute to the welfare of my community. Throughout my journey, I have encountered physical and emotional challenges that have tested my resilience. One particularly difficult period occurred when I faced a severe episode of depression that significantly impacted my ability to function and disrupted my educational pursuits. During this time, I experienced a profound sense of weakness and hopelessness. However, with the support of loved ones, therapy, and self-reflection, I made a conscious decision to prioritize my mental health while not giving up on my dreams. I sought professional help, engaged in self-care practices, and developed coping mechanisms that helped me regain my strength and resilience. One key step in my recovery was the decision to resume my education. Despite the lingering fear and doubt, I enrolled in college as a non-traditional student. I surrounded myself with a supportive network of friends, professors, and counselors who provided guidance and understanding. Through perseverance and relentless drive, I not only excelled academically but also gained a renewed sense of purpose and self-confidence. In conclusion, my journey as a non-traditional college student aiming to own an optical shop has been shaped by the strength derived from overcoming physical and emotional weaknesses. This scholarship will provide the means to pursue my long-term goals, enhance my career aspirations, and contribute to the betterment of my community. Through resilience, vision, and the power of education, I am determined to make a difference both in the optical industry and in raising mental health awareness.

Empowering Vision: An Inclusive Optical Business for Community Welfare As an African American entrepreneur, I envision starting an optical business that not only provides essential eye care services but also fosters inclusivity and community welfare. I firmly believe that access to quality eye care is a fundamental right that should be available to all. Through this business, I aim to address the vision needs of my local community while simultaneously promoting economic growth, diversity, and education. This essay explores my vision for the optical business, highlighting its potential to contribute to the general welfare of our community and outlining the steps I would take to develop such a venture. The optical business I envision will serve as a comprehensive eye care center, providing services such as vision screenings, eye examinations, eyeglass and contact lens fittings, and access to quality eyewear. By offering these essential services, we can address the unmet vision needs within our community, particularly among underserved populations. This inclusive approach will ensure that individuals of all racial and socioeconomic backgrounds have access to affordable and culturally sensitive eye care. A crucial aspect of my business plan is to prioritize hiring and training individuals from within the community, especially those from underrepresented groups. By creating job opportunities and fostering a diverse workforce, I aim to empower individuals and reduce unemployment rates. Through mentorship programs and skills development initiatives, my business will not only provide employment but also encourage professional growth and self-sufficiency. To enhance the general welfare of the community, my optical business will also focus on promoting eye health education and awareness. By collaborating with local schools, community centers, and healthcare organizations, we can conduct workshops, seminars, and outreach programs to educate community members about the importance of regular eye exams and proper eye care practices. Moreover, we will emphasize the significance of early detection and management of vision conditions, especially those that disproportionately affect African American populations, such as glaucoma and diabetic retinopathy. Developing and sustaining such a business requires collaborative efforts. I plan to partner with local nonprofits, healthcare institutions, and government agencies to amplify the impact of our services. By forging these partnerships, we can establish referral systems, secure funding for community outreach programs, and work collectively to improve the overall well-being of our community. Together, we can create a network of support that ensures every individual receives the eye care they deserve. In conclusion, my vision for an optical business aims to provide essential eye care services, foster inclusivity, and contribute to the general welfare of our community. By addressing the vision needs of underserved populations, empowering individuals through employment, promoting education and awareness, and building strategic partnerships, this business can make a lasting impact on the lives of individuals, particularly those of African American descent, in our local community. Thank you for your consideration, Damar Britto

First and foremost: my life goal is to choose a career that creates an impact in the lives of others. I couldn’t think of a better gift than the gift of sight. I’ve been in the Optical field for about two years and lent a helping hand to Opticians in assisting a patient correct their vision. It’s always rewarding to hear a patient say “I can see better” or “that adjustment fixed my issue”. I’ve always connected personally as I have worn glasses since I was about seven years old and have seen how the field of glasses evolved from just something to help you see to a statement piece that you feel happy and comfortable in. I also want to help diversify a field that has had a giant lack of representation among all walks of life. Seeing a minority Optician may encourage the next to choose this field, or may help a minority patient feel more comfortable, and have them feel as if they’re in hands that they can connect to. I know this is a more cliche aspect, but it is still one that carries relevance and weight, especially at a time when we are looking for diversity and acceptance in every field possible to break down barriers and increase inclusivity. Sharing the same intentions as James, I have the hope of furthering my participation within my state society, and expanding the want for states to join the train of having licensed opticians. There are a number of benefits that come with having a more well-rounded optician, and the ability to travel to showcase that would be immense and impactful for the sake of the profession. My end goal is to either grow within my current company or ideally open my own Optical shop once I become licensed. I am also pursuing a Business Administration degree and that, coupled with my Ophthalmic Design and Dispensing degree, would increase my success in running a longstanding and impactful business that serves the people around me and fulfills my mission of being as impactful as possible. Winning a scholarship such as this will allow me to dedicate myself more to my studies, and takes off a substantial burden when it comes to the question of paying for school. A scholarship of this magnitude would cover most of my cost of attendance, and allows me to maintain a healthier school/work balance. This balance would allow me to avoid burnout, and dedicate more time to study for class and certificate exams (such as the ABO). It would be an honor to be considered for the James Michael Morris Family Scholarship. After sharing my intentions, and seeing similarities between myself and James, I feel as if I would be a great recipient of such a meaningful and generous scholarship. Thank you in advance for your consideration, Damar Britto