Sonja Jennings-Killingworth
175
Bold Points1x
FinalistSonja Jennings-Killingworth
175
Bold Points1x
FinalistEducation
Hillsborough Community College
Associate's degree programMajors:
- Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions
University of Phoenix
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Communication, General
University of Phoenix
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Communication, General
Career
Dream career field:
Medical Practice
Dream career goals:
James Michael Morris Family Scholarship
I have been in the opticianry field for more than 20 years; I have never really felt held back by not having an optician's license until I moved to Florida. There is a gap in pay, regardless of experience. It feels like I need to better my position and my family by getting my license.
I hope to continue giving the best patient care I can, especially to those who are not given a chance due to age or demographic. Patient care in the eyecare world is imperative to the youngest and the oldest. I want to be a part of someone's life that makes a difference.
Being a part of the vision journey can mean so much to me and to the patients I help care for. I would appreciate the freedom and trust from the doctor and patinets knowuing that my education and experience can give someone the best care possible.
Also, with a license I can participate in Essilor Vision Foundation, the One Sight Foundation, and countless others. I want to be a part of helping someone see clearly for the first time. This has been something I have wanted for some time. Not having a financial burden and getting to help someone in that matter would enrich my life so much more than their life.
With my bachelor’s degree in communication and my optician’s degree I hope to help other opticians who have not furthered his or her education and a reason to. This field is something that will never go away. People will always need glasses or contacts and the rate at which children are becoming myopic I want to make sure every person that sits in front of a child or their family has the education and desire to help and understand what is going on.
I fell into this profession by accident when I was desperate and a single mother. I will never forget the care my first employer gave me to better myself and showed me that I could make a difference in a person’s life. I have made sure to carry the things I learned from them to now. Every interaction has been based on the opportunity I was given and the ability to feel what it wanted to help people for the first time. I have learned so much from my patients, doctors, technicians, and other co-workers over the last twenty years I have been in the field.
Thank you for the opportunity to better myself and my family.