I am currently involved in a contact lens clinical trial in which I had to receive certification. The certifications include Good Clinical Practice and Human Subjects Protection. I am now certified to partake in clinical trials until 2023.
Artifacts
Wesley Glen Game Night
On November 13, 2018, a group of Biological Sciences Scholars students visited Wesley Glen Retirement Community for a night of bingo. At this event, I socialized with the residents of Wesley Glen and learned about their interests, hobbies, and backstories. Each person relayed their excitement to interact with college students and seemed thrilled to have some company. Playing games with the individuals was truly rewarding because something as small as playing bingo for a couple of hours made the residents’ day. This experience showed the impact that we as students can have on the community and brought the students who participated closer together.
RealEyes Training
At RealEyes training, discussed further in the Career section, we were given training booklets and information guides about how to talk to children ages kindergarten through middle school about eye health. The “Sammy Safe-Eyes” booklet is intended for the youngest age group, kindergarten, and gives very basic information about eye health interpretable for young children. It also provides activities such as coloring pages and stickers to keep students entertained and excited about eyes. The second booklet titled “Journey Through An Eye Exam” is intended for the current highest age level, middle school students. This booklet gives more in-depth information about the field of optometry and eye health and has activities and puzzles designed for this age group. The final artifact shown is part of the program for higher level students and depicts what various eye diseases can look like. Examples from this handout include Glaucoma, Cataracts, and Macular Degeneration. This gives a visual representation of the diseases and helps students understand what each of these eye diseases means for those suffering. The reverse side also gives information about the anatomy of the eye and eye health.
Artifacts
In July, 2017, I organized a small concert to benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. I chose this organization because my cousin had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease a few years prior to the benefit concert; Parkinson’s Disease had slowly become a new part of my family dynamic, so I chose an organization that I could relate to and understand. The concert took several months of planning and I encountered numerous problems along the way. I overcame obstacles such as location conflicts, but I persevered and was able to raise money for this foundation. Though I didn’t reach my monetary goal, I was still able to make an impact on the Parkinson’s community and aide in the research of this debilitating disease. Overall, I learned important leadership and organizational skills for large group activities, and I became an advocate for Parkinson’s Disease and Parkinson’s research. I will use these skills for the continuance of my undergraduate and graduate schooling as well as in my future career as an optometrist.