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Sonja Jennings-Killingworth

175

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Finalist

Education

Hillsborough Community College

Associate's degree program
2024 - 2026
  • Majors:
    • Ophthalmic and Optometric Support Services and Allied Professions

University of Phoenix

Bachelor's degree program
2013 - 2015
  • Majors:
    • Communication, General

University of Phoenix

Bachelor's degree program
2012 - 2015
  • Majors:
    • Communication, General
  • Not planning to go to medical school
  • 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.