Reading
Economics
Business
Science
Science Fiction
History
I read books multiple times per month
Joel Cardenas
745
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FinalistJoel Cardenas
745
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FinalistBio
Hello, my name is Joel Cardenas, and I'm currently a Biology student at The University of Texas at San Antonio. I am greatly interested in being the first person in my family to acquire a doctorate degree. This doctorate degree will be focused on the field of Optometry, for this field is what peaks my interest the most. At the time being, I am currenty working as a Certified Optician in my field while assisting the Optometrist that work with me in pre-testing. During my free time, I primarily read books about finances, so that I can greatly increase my understanding of the economy and business as a whole since I want to open up my own practice soon. I have a strong passion for Optics, and I do strongly believe that the eye is the window to the soul that could greatly change many individual's lives by elevating their day-to-day activities or by saving their life.
Education
The University of Texas at San Antonio
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
Minors:
- Economics, General
Northwest College
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Biology/Biological Sciences, General
Sandra Day O'Connor High School
High SchoolMiscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Optometry
Career
Dream career field:
Optometry
Dream career goals:
Company Founder, Quality of Life Improver
Team Member
Whataburger2018 – 20191 yearTeam Lead
Whataburger2019 – 2019Customer Service Representative
Kohls2019 – 2019Optician
LensCrafters2019 – Present5 years
Public services
Volunteering
OneSight — Volunteer2020 – PresentVolunteering
San Antonio Food Bank — Kitchen Aid2016 – Present
Future Interests
Advocacy
Volunteering
Entrepreneurship
Abran Arreola Latinx Scholarship
During my academics and career, I have been fortunate enough to connect with many individuals that could further my career into something more meaningful than just an achievement. As a pre-optometry student, these connections allowed me to be offered a position as an Optician at a store called Lenscrafters. This was a part-time position suitable to my studies, and as time went on I was able to volunteer for a partnered non-profit organization with Lenscrafters called OneSight who provides glasses and annual eye exams to the less fortunate.
Before the COVID-19 pandemic of 2020, this volunteer opportunity was set to take place in Houston, Texas, where I was assigned the role of selecting and gifting the glasses to the needy under the supervision of the OneSight organization. I remember assisting a pre-teen, named Manuel, who was a refugee from Mexico, for I was told that he was escaping the abuse of his parents who were close to exchanging him for money. I was also shown how strong his prescription was by having severe myopic astigmatism and how this will be his first-ever glasses, for his vision has been struggling for as long as the child could remember. He was thrilled to finally be able to receive a pair of glasses and see the world better.
I introduced myself a little to Manuel, for I was skilled to communicate with the child due to my bilingual experience, and then we were off on selecting a pair of glasses that looks and feels the best for him. I remember he selected a pair of Ray-Bans since celebrities wear Ray-Bans. Unfortunately, when we finished selecting the glasses, we had to set them aside for lunchtime needed for the volunteers and OneSight people. I recall Manuel talking about how he can't wait for his glasses during lunch. I enjoyed how excited he was to be able to finally see better and I know his pain of having a difficult time to see, for my mother had a similar prescription as his, so I took the initiative to go into the laboratory and start working on the glasses. By the time lunch was finished, I had signed off on all the lab reports for Manuel and when we all returned to our places and got everything rolling again, I showed Manuel his glasses and remember how big his face got with happiness. He was super excited to finally be able to see while enjoying glasses that made him feel like a celebrity. Manuel was super grateful for what I completed and told me he would never forget what I performed for him that day. Unfortunately, once the pandemic hit, very few people were able to volunteer for the organization so I was incapable of returning for 2020 and 2021.
Nevertheless, that experience alone shaped me for I now understand that a simple person like me can cause a huge difference in the lives of the less fortunate with just a simple act of kindness. My understanding of the world was also shaped, for I understand now that not everyone possesses the privilege of a well-funded healthcare system, so organizations like OneSight are there to aid people that can't afford or use these healthcare systems. Finally, my understanding of my community was shaped as well for many refugees ranging from kids to adults escape to Texas for a better life and sometimes these people require support from their communities in Texas to get themselves started into becoming a free American citizen!