In one particular conversation my roommate told me that optometry school felt right to her. She knew IU was exactly where she was and is supposed to be. I was so jealous of that feeling, and tried my hardest to find that in optometry too.
This summer, I desperately wanted to be in Central or South America doing medical missions. I applied to internships in Ecuador and Guatemala. On the side I also applied for an internship at Lawndale Christian Health Center in Chicago, IL. The organization sounded great, but I had been to Chicago countless times, and wanted to experience a summer abroad. Knowing I would say "adios" to the U.S. in a heartbeat, God gave me no choice! I was denied by both abroad opportunities and accepted in Chicago.
Since school ended in May I've been praying hard about what to do. I talked with many friends, professionals, and persons outside my situation. I knew that I didn't love optometry, but couldn't put my finger on why or what do to about it.
As soon as I drove into Lawndale (Chicago) I knew that I was going to like the internship. The other interns quickly became my close friends and I loved the community. While shadowing optometrists, PAs and MDs I began to realize a few things. First, I don't feel differently about optometry even in an ideal setting. Many patients here speak spanish, the clinic is in an underserved area, etc. Still I don't feel excited about the possibility of practicing optometry in this setting. Second, I love primary care. Optometry is very specialized, which I initially liked. Now I see that my personality, passions and the way I holistically approach patients fits better into primary care medicine. I like dealing with the entire body, chronic conditions, and the emotional effects a diagnosis may have. Primary care is hands on and all around much more interesting to me. I feel like I finally found something I really love.
So I decided to quit school. The decision was difficult. I prayed about it for months, sought out opinions of people I trust, and was blessed with spontaneous conversations that pointed me in the right direction.
Just before leaving Lawndale, I talked with Bruce Miller the CEO about my recent decision. He pointed me to several people that I could talk to about possible employment. This was a surprise to me since I had only just started to think about the daunting "job search." So, right before I left I was able to meet with the head of human resources. She made a phone call and asked if I would be able to interview that evening for a medical assistant position. Wow. I was shocked at how quickly things were moving along.
I interviewed for the position at 5 pm and then drove back to MI. For the next several days I prayed a lot, spent time just being quiet and journaling. I definitely wanted a job at Lawndale, but felt like I needed to step back and make sure that this was from God not me.
A few days later I got a phone call from Lawndale for a second interview. I had that interview this morning, and accepted a job offer afterwards. So, within a one week span I quit optometry school and got a job in Chicago.
If you get anything out of this story, hear one thing. God is good. He works in crazy and mysterious ways. For some reason I needed to complete a year of optometry school, quit, do the lawndale internship and now work here. I could NEVER have predicted this, which is what makes it so great.
Parts of the past year have been so difficult, but God is so faithful, always having our best interests at heart. This is a lot of information and for those I haven't talked with yet, probably a shock! Feel free to call me anytime to talk about it.
Thank you friends and family for your support, love and prayers during this transitional time. I am blessed to have you.
Since school ended in May I've been praying hard about what to do. I talked with many friends, professionals, and persons outside my situation. I knew that I didn't love optometry, but couldn't put my finger on why or what do to about it.
As soon as I drove into Lawndale (Chicago) I knew that I was going to like the internship. The other interns quickly became my close friends and I loved the community. While shadowing optometrists, PAs and MDs I began to realize a few things. First, I don't feel differently about optometry even in an ideal setting. Many patients here speak spanish, the clinic is in an underserved area, etc. Still I don't feel excited about the possibility of practicing optometry in this setting. Second, I love primary care. Optometry is very specialized, which I initially liked. Now I see that my personality, passions and the way I holistically approach patients fits better into primary care medicine. I like dealing with the entire body, chronic conditions, and the emotional effects a diagnosis may have. Primary care is hands on and all around much more interesting to me. I feel like I finally found something I really love.
So I decided to quit school. The decision was difficult. I prayed about it for months, sought out opinions of people I trust, and was blessed with spontaneous conversations that pointed me in the right direction.
Just before leaving Lawndale, I talked with Bruce Miller the CEO about my recent decision. He pointed me to several people that I could talk to about possible employment. This was a surprise to me since I had only just started to think about the daunting "job search." So, right before I left I was able to meet with the head of human resources. She made a phone call and asked if I would be able to interview that evening for a medical assistant position. Wow. I was shocked at how quickly things were moving along.
I interviewed for the position at 5 pm and then drove back to MI. For the next several days I prayed a lot, spent time just being quiet and journaling. I definitely wanted a job at Lawndale, but felt like I needed to step back and make sure that this was from God not me.
A few days later I got a phone call from Lawndale for a second interview. I had that interview this morning, and accepted a job offer afterwards. So, within a one week span I quit optometry school and got a job in Chicago.
If you get anything out of this story, hear one thing. God is good. He works in crazy and mysterious ways. For some reason I needed to complete a year of optometry school, quit, do the lawndale internship and now work here. I could NEVER have predicted this, which is what makes it so great.
Parts of the past year have been so difficult, but God is so faithful, always having our best interests at heart. This is a lot of information and for those I haven't talked with yet, probably a shock! Feel free to call me anytime to talk about it.
Thank you friends and family for your support, love and prayers during this transitional time. I am blessed to have you.
"So let us know, let us press on to know the Lord. His going forth is as sure as the dawn. And He will come to us like rain..." Hosea 6:3
