From Childhood Curiosity to Clear Purpose In fourth grade, I remember begging my mom to take me to the eye doctor—not because I was struggling to see, but because I wanted glasses. I don’t know exactly why. Maybe it was the excitement, the style, or the way glasses made people seem so put together. More than anything, I was genuinely fascinated. Unlike visits to the doctor or dentist, which I dreaded, the optometrist’s office felt fun, calm, and full of possibility. I left that first visit completely invigorated and curious. That day planted a seed that would never stop growing. By the time I reached high school, I realized that my fascination wasn’t just a childhood whim. I was drawn to the science of vision correction, the complexity of the eye, and the way optometrists could improve someone’s entire experience of the world. I knew with confidence that optometry would be my future, and I’ve never wavered from that decision. It has been my one and only career goal, and everything I’ve done since has been in pursuit of it. Now, as a graduate student in optometry school, I see the profession with even deeper appreciation. I’m especially passionate about helping children get the vision care they need early, so they can grow up without the setbacks that poor vision can cause—academically, socially, and emotionally. I want kids to feel the same joy and wonder I felt sitting in that exam chair, and I also want them to receive care that will help prevent serious eye conditions later in life. While my clinical interests lean toward the medical side of optometry, particularly in treating older patients with diseases like glaucoma or myopic degeneration, what drives me most is thinking about prevention. When I see a patient with advanced myopic degeneration, I can’t help but wonder what could have been done in childhood to slow the progression. Could early detection, vision therapy, or simple education about screen time have made a difference? I believe optometrists are uniquely positioned to intervene at all stages of life. We have the power not only to correct vision but also to protect it. I hope to be a provider who does both: delivering advanced care for older adults while advocating for strong pediatric vision programs that ensure no child is left struggling to see. This scholarship would help me continue my journey with greater focus and fewer financial barriers. It would also allow me to pursue additional training in both disease management and pediatric care. I’m eager to work in a setting where I can combine these passions, helping people see better today and protecting their vision for tomorrow. What began as a child’s wish to wear glasses has grown into a lifelong commitment to changing lives through vision. I’m proud of the clarity I had as a child, and even prouder that I never lost sight of it.