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Joel Cardenas

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Bio

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 program
2020 - 2023
  • Majors:
    • Biological and Biomedical Sciences, Other
  • Minors:
    • Economics, General

Northwest College

Associate's degree program
2018 - 2020
  • Majors:
    • Biology/Biological Sciences, General

Sandra Day O'Connor High School

High School
2014 - 2018

Miscellaneous

  • Desired degree level:

    Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)

  • Graduate schools of interest:

  • Transfer schools of interest:

  • Majors of interest:

    • Optometry
  • Planning to go to medical school
  • Career

    • Dream career field:

      Optometry

    • Dream career goals:

      Company Founder, Quality of Life Improver

    • Team Member

      Whataburger
      2018 – 20191 year
    • Team Lead

      Whataburger
      2019 – 2019
    • Customer Service Representative

      Kohls
      2019 – 2019
    • Optician

      LensCrafters
      2019 – Present5 years

    Public services

    • Volunteering

      OneSight — Volunteer
      2020 – Present
    • Volunteering

      San Antonio Food Bank — Kitchen Aid
      2016 – 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!