My goal in life is to be an optometrist. Within the field of optometry, there are multiple forms of technology that are used on a daily basis to treat and diagnose optic health diseases. One form of technology that inspires me is the OptosAdvance, which is a comprehensive image management solution for eye-care. This tool allows optometrist to review and annotate images of a patient's retina that may not have been seen through regular lens treatment. This technological tool allows for patient's to receive the best quality of care, and allows for physicians to keep track of the patient's ocular health. This inspires me because I strive to help patients receive their best visual care. As technology continues to advance, I believe that we can continue to push limits on patient care.

1. My core values are honesty, trust, and kindness. These 3 characteristics are what I look for in a doctor, so therefore, I strive to practice these values. Nobody can be perfect, but we can always strive to be the best versions of ourself. 2. Excellence to me means putting in 110% into everything you do. If you put your all into your passions, then you can expect to be noticed for your excellence. I pursue excellence by never quitting on anything. If you never give up on yourself, you have already achieved the greatest gift of excellence. You trusted yourself to complete the tasks ahead, and that in itself shows excellence. 3. When I achieve my dream, I will first thank my Heavenly Father. He has gave me all that I have to be thankful for. He is given me a body that can overcome challenges. He has given me friends and family that support me through my toughest times. And finally, he has given me grace for when I do make mistakes. My Heavenly Father has been there for me through it all, so therefore, He shall be the first thank you.

The time I showed up for an an individuals is when I helped my best friend battle depression. During my freshman year of college, my best friend was diagnosed with depression and anxiety. This diagnoses caused my friend to go into a state of shock and denial. This diagnoses created a hole in my heart, because I knew that my best friend was battling a disease that I could not change. A disease that could never be fixed, only treated. During the rest of my freshman year, I dedicated myself to help my friend receive the care he needed. We made weekly trips to his consoler's office, while monthly trips to visit his primary care physician. Being able to just stand by his side made every second worth it. I got to experience him coming out of the dark shell that his soul was hiding in. I got to experience how fatal depression can be, and how hard it is to overcome. This impacted me so deep that I am now a huge mental health advocate. Being able to stand by people while they learn to overcome inner demons is something that brings me continuous joy. As someone who struggles with anxiety, I know that suffering alone is not easy. Being able to be that cheerleader is something that I find so rewarding. Mental health is a lifelong journey that is complex and challenging. Being there for people looks different for every individual. Just being that stable person in their life can show them that they are not alone, and that they can overcome even the darkest of demons.

Being a Texan means being the biggest and the best. It means having the biggest heart, and the best attitude. Something I learned from being a first generation Texan is that there is no place like Texas. You can have the big city feelings, while also being able to grow up on a farm. You get to experience some of the best food imaginable. From the barbecue to apple pies, Texas will never leave you hungry. On top of the food and the atmosphere, Texas is home to the best people known to mankind. Texans do not know strangers, only new friends. Southern charm and hospitality runs through our veins, or maybe our sweet tea. I could list an infinite number of what being Texans means to me. But truly, it comes down to the line that the whole country knows. Everything is better in Texas. But it isn't the size of Texas that this phrase is referring to, it is the size of Texans heart. So being a Texan means having the biggest heart for the best state in the country.