The Illinois College of Optometry Student Blog

To say optometry school can be stressful is an understatement. First year, you can have up to three exams a week, plus practicals, quizzes, etc. Second year, you add clinic to the mix and third year, you begin to prepare for NBEO part 1. Fourth year, you have externships, the other two NBEO tests, possibly OEBC… and you begin preparing for real life (a.k.a. finding a job.) This past week, we were looking for an apartment in Chicago for our last externship. I started thinking

My kindergarten graduation ceremony was held in my school’s cafeteria. My classmates and I lined up in the hall, then walked in. As everyone else climbed up to the stage, I continued to walk right back out into the hall. I cried and refused to go up until the principal said I could just stand on the stairs behind her. Flash forward to my ICO White Coat Ceremony. My mom, brother, and grandparents were all in Chicago for the weekend. However, they all were unsure if I would get

“There are only two days in the year that nothing can be done. One is called Yesterday and the other is called Tomorrow. Today is the right day to Love, Believe, Do and mostly Live.” -Dalai Lama XIV Every year around this time, emotions are running high. It is the start of a new quarter, the first couple weeks back for the second years, and the first few weeks of optometry school for the first years. I remember how much was packed into my first few weeks as a first year. With

Optometry school is quite the rollercoaster. At ICO, first year is the biggest hurdle. After that, anything seems possible. Students always want to know the next step as they continue throughout their journey to become optometrists. Will it ever get easier? Will I ever gain back some of that beloved ‘free’ time? What is it like to be one year closer to graduation? Although every student has their own perspective on the four-year endeavor, here is my take on maneuvering your w

While an optometry student at ICO, you learn to appreciate the little things that may otherwise be taken for granted. For example: Your bed! We are all familiar with all-nighters. The level of concentration and commitment an optometry student has to keep throughout the school year can, at times, be draining. The one thing you’re looking forward to at the end of the day is getting some sleep in your cozy bed. The sundeck at the RC. Since most days you will find yourself indoor