Dear Class of 2029,
Welcome to graduate school! You're about to embark on one of the most challenging-yet rewarding-chapters of your life. Over the next few years, you'll grow rapidly in your profession, build lifelong friendships, and gain a deeper sense of who you are. While you're probably feeling excited, it's completely normal to feel a bit nervous to step into this new phase of your life. So, without further ado, here are 10 things I wish I knew before starting optometry school:
1.Friendships Naturally Form
Your first experience with your fellow classmates will likely be at orientation (unless you attended other events). While I know it may be nerve-wracking to feel like you do not have any friends going into the school year, I can assure you: you will have plenty of chances to make long-lasting friendships! Orientation will feel different than the rest of the school year: everyone will be making their best impressions and you may feel overwhelmed. Rest assured, be yourself and people will flock to you. <3
2. Go at Your Own Pace
The beauty of having recorded lectures and all your exam/ lab schedules beforehand is so that you can do things on your own time. While I definitely recommend going to your classes for the first couple of weeks to see which ones you might want to attend, if it is not for you, feel free to watch the lecture recordings! At the end of the day, it is your education and you should approach it however you feel comfortable. Additionally, you have just made an amazing accomplishment of making it into graduate school! This means that your fellow classmates are also very driven and intelligent, and it can be easy to compare yourselves to them. However, you are just as capable as they are, and you will also be successful in your field. Race your own race; you have been accepted here because you are believed in :)!
3. Use Your Resources
My favorite thing about MBKU is its community and its resources. For example, a resource I used is the free tutoring offered by some upperclassmen. Tutors are paid by the school to help you so long as you reach out to them. When classes get tough (and they will), those tutoring sessions can make a world of difference. You’re never alone, so don’t hesitate to seek help when you need it.
4. Take it Day By Day
When I first started, I stressed about remembering everything for the board exam we take in third year. I tried to make perfect study guides and retain every detail long-term, but honestly—it burned me out. Some of that effort will pay off later, but your focus should be on what you need to learn right now. Just get through the next exam. Trust the process. You're learning more than you realize.
5. Never Underestimate a Class
It’s tempting to ease up on a class everyone says is "easy," but don’t fall into that trap. Those classes can surprise you later, especially when exams roll around. Always put in your best effort, even if others say you don’t need to. What’s easy for someone else might be tough for you—and that’s completely okay. (See tip #2).
6. Make Time for the Things That Make You Happy
It can be hard to juggle your personal life with graduate school; but it’s probably the most important thing to do. Keep eating full meals, exercising, hanging out with family and friends, and making time for your hobbies. These are things that will keep you grounded when you’re out in the trenches studying! Take breaks, take deep breaths, and just do your best!
7. Stop and Smell the Roses
What I mean is: it’s common to get so wrapped up in what you’re learning that you forget why you came here in the first place. Maybe consider writing down your “why” before starting school and put it up somewhere where you can always see it. Moreover, at some point in your schooling you will realize you truly have learned so much! I personally came in with very little knowledge about optometry; after finishing my first year, I can confidently say that I have learned an insane amount about eyeballs and my interest in them is only growing. When you feel as though the climb is never ending, take a moment to look back at your first day, your first exam, or your first proficiency and celebrate how far you have come. I promise it will feel like a lifetime has happened in between.
8. Practice! But Don’t Over Practice!
You may be eager to get your hands on the instruments you’ll be using for the rest of your career and I support you getting as much experience as you’d like! However, it can be really frustrating going at the same thing for hours without it sticking. Similarly, if you get a really good practice run in and following that is a not-so-great run the day before your proficiency, you might feel anxious going into to perform that clinical skill. Here is what I recommend: practice when you can, but do not be discouraged if something is not producing the results you hope. Go home, take a shower, sleep well; the next day it will feel better. Rest is a part of learning. Additionally, if you have a good run for the night: go home! End on a high note; you don’t have to stay for the full 2-hour slot if you’re doing fine! Be kind to yourself: you're still learning, and that’s exactly where you’re supposed to be.
9. Take Pictures
This is a silly one, but I think it’s important to add. I promise you will appreciate that you have pictures of you struggling to learn retinoscopy two quarters later when you’re having a similar experience with BIO. Document the journey: you won’t be a student forever!
10. Have Fun!
Chances are, you chose this field because it genuinely interests you. So, embrace the excitement of learning! Some classes will be fun, and you’ll grow to love what you're studying. Also, make time to hang out with your classmates – they are the only ones who truly know what you’re going through. It’s very important to have that sense of support from your peers and to celebrate your accomplishments! You’re doing a hard thing and celebrating the little things will come a long way!
TLDR: be yourself, do your best, and enjoy the journey! I wish you all the best and please do not hesitate to reach out with any questions or concerns. I’m so excited to meet you all soon; have a great summer and get ready for a wild, wonderful ride!
With Love,
Catherine Ibrahim, SCCO Class of 2028