The long-lasting impact and influence that a licensed optician can have in their community is surprisingly overlooked. This can be especially true if people are not accustomed to having access to optical services. For individuals who do require optical services, having a licensed professional who can compound, file, and adapt ophthalmic prescriptions, products, and accessories for them is not just a relief, but a comfort for the contact or spectacle wearer. I intend to make this type of positive impact in my optical career by fulfilling these duties, as well as developing into a leader in the optical industry that others can be influenced by and model their careers after. My optical journey started with a job position at Costco Wholesale as an optical assistant during the height of COVID-19 pandemic. In all honesty, the optical department is one of the last places I envisioned myself, mainly because I was not well educated in what the field does. The position primarily consisted of disinfecting, answering the phones, and greeting members while they waited for an available optician. The position seemed simple at first, but Costco was one of the first optical departments to open back up in 2020. The busier the optical department became, the more determined I was to educate myself and make a longer-lasting impact. Ultimately Costco has permitted me to progress in my development of fundamental leadership skills such as collaboration, communication, goal implementation, and delegation. When it comes to my education and career, I fully aspire to perform at my utmost potential by executing hard work that will not only make it easier for myself, but also for my colleagues. With this aspiration, I soon became a state licensed optical apprentice with the full endorsement and encouragement of my optical team. With the guidance of my colleagues, I too have started to play a positive and important role in the lives of the patients that step into the optical. My strategy includes persevering in my education and pursuing extensive connections that will enrich my experience as I work towards my state license. In return this will ground fundamental skills that I can later use to guide future opticians and serve as an encouraging exemplar, just as my colleagues have done for me. I am blessed to be in the presence of sponsors and colleagues that are willing to share so much of their knowledge and experience. Watching my sponsors and colleagues troubleshoot, adjust, and prepare orders for patients inspired me to do the same for the community. My sponsors and colleagues have demonstrated the importance of their occupation, with them by my side I will continue to succeed and make a positive impact in my optical career. I aim to anticipate changes and stay up to date with the newest technologies so I can direct patients towards the wisest optical products to meet their needs. In the field of opticianry, you must be open- minded and a patient individual, qualities that I heartily identify with that offer me the capability to be innovative and determined in achieving my goals. To make a positive impact in opticianry, I believe it is crucial for me to familiarize myself with the skills and knowledge about the options a patient has. By doing this effectively and communicating my thoughts and ideas in the advancing field, I will influence opticianry by acting as the patient’s advocate and providing them with accurate and thorough information to purchase the best tool for their daily lives.