Everyone loved physical education class, except me. My eyes would skim over every item in the gym, trying to figure out whatever game was being taught or played that particular day. When I realized it was a game that might ruin my entire day, my heart would fall. I steered away from playing games with other kids anytime I spotted an activity that looked harmful because I was terrified they might break my eyeglasses. My thoughts would transport me back to the disastrous instances when my glasses fell off my face and got all sorts if screwed up. I had to start wearing glasses when I was little. I started to see how fortunate some individuals are to be able to see without correction. My glasses seemed to fly off my face whenever I played a violent game or participated in athletics. My family did not have the money to buy me new glasses every time the ones I had broke, so we would tape or glue them back together. I've never been good at feeling my best when wearing glasses. I nearly preferred to be blind rather than wear them to school after all the glue and tape we had applied. I'm now attending school to become an optician. I never considered this as a career route until it was brought up to me, but now that I work in the industry, I understand how fulfilling it is to have made someone feel a little more confident thanks to their spectacles. It has been clear to me how much I can contribute to the lives of others while working as an optician. I truly love what I do, and I especially appreciate it when patients leave smiling. Enrolling in the optician program has opened my eyes. I can apply more of what I learn in school to my work. I see more contented patients, and it gives me peace of mind to know that I am doing everything in my power to assist them with my knowledge. I now see how much the work of opticians and other professionals in this industry may affect the lives of countless others. Every day at work, I work to instill confidence in each and every one of my patients—not just in themselves but also in my abilities and judgment. Being the optician that every patient adores and trusts is my goal. I'll be able to continue my studies on a topic that I'm passionate about, thanks to this scholarship. I truly love giving others a confidence boost in areas where I've always found it difficult. In addition to helping patients with their style needs, I also get to assist patients whose glasses have been damaged during an intense activity or sport, which allows me to provide them with assistance in giving those glasses another chance. I will keep trying every day to make people happy with their looks and eyesight in order to heal that little girl inside with those glued and taped up glasses. Thank you for giving me this opportunity, and I promise with this scholarship I will strive to help patients with my best knowledge. - Jayci Johnson