Author: Gabrielle Magee

How Physical Activity Makes Us Stronger Students

By Gabrielle Magee 07.08.21

Optometrists are leaders in eye care. When we become doctors, patients will rely on us for information and guidance so their vision is the best it can be. This starts with us working as the best students we can be. We know there are plenty of lectures and studying involved in optometry school and taking care of ourselves will ensure that we are prepared and focused for the work to come. One of the most meaningful ways we can do this is through physical activity and regular exercise. Even if only a couple of times a week, we can still get many benefits from exercise.  

Mental health 

Grad school can be a stressful time for anyone, and going through school during a pandemic brings its own extra stressors into our lives. It is crucial to seek counseling or help for mental health issues if necessary. Additionally, physical activity brings immediate benefits such as rejuvenated energy, mood boosts, and decreased stress. These short-term benefits also offer the most motivation for sticking to an exercise routine, (1) and we could all use a little less stress in our lives.  

Physical health 

Some of the commonly discussed health benefits of physical activity are improved cardiovascular health, increased bone density, a decrease of systemic diseases such as diabetes, and improved sleep. Besides this, we know that overall health is connected to eye health. Just one example of how exercise can help our eyes is its connection to alleviating oxidative stress. As future optometrists, understanding the importance of physical activity will allow us to better treat our patients holistically, and not just as the eyes. 

School 

Physical activity helps us focus more efficiently on our schoolwork and improves study habits. Research has repeatedly demonstrated that regular aerobic exercise improves cognitive function. (2) Incorporating exercise regularly into our schedule gives us an extra opportunity to practice self-discipline, and this makes it easier for us to adhere to a study routine.  

One of the best things about physical activity is that there are endless ways to do it. I like to go for walks and follow along with exercise videos on YouTube, but cycling, hiking, running, yoga, weightlifting, and many more give us the opportunity to improve our health as well, allowing us to be better students, and eventually  

 

  1. Gellert P,ZiegelmannJP, Schwarzer R. Affective and health-related outcome expectancies for physical activity in older adults. Psychol Health. 2012;27(7):816-28. doi: 10.1080/08870446.2011.607236. Epub 2011 Aug 25. PMID: 21867397. 
  2. Voss MW,Nagamatsu LS, Liu-Ambrose T, Kramer AF. Exercise, brain, and cognition across the life span. J Appl Physiol (1985). 2011 Nov;111(5):1505-13. doi: 10.1152/japplphysiol.00210.2011. Epub 2011 Apr 28. PMID: 21527670; PMCID: PMC3220305 

What I Wish I Knew: 1st Year

By Gabrielle Magee 07.08.21

Optometry school is the next exciting part of your life. You are one step closer to reaching your goals. Here are some things I wish I would have known my first year of optometry school.  

 

  1. Patience is essential. It is incredibly important to be patient with yourself. Optometry school is not only a major change in the level of academics but also a major transition in life as well. Don’t get down on yourself if things aren’t going perfectly right away. It takes time to adjust and balance to all of the new challenges you will be facing, in school and out of school.
  2. Comparison hurts more than it helps You are in optometry school! That in itself is amazing! You are surrounded by like–minded people who are all very smart and have the drive to be successful. It is okay to not get an A in every class or the highest grades in your friend/social groups. You are learning and will be utilizing the same information that they are and you are earning the same degree. Be the person who lifts others up, and don’t let others bring you down. 
  3. Find balance Optometry school keeps you busy. You must find a balance between school and life. Restarting hobbies you may have had when you were younger is one example; making time for yourself to relax needs to be a priority. Take the time to go for a walk, hike or to watch that Netflix series you’ve been dying to start. Spending even an hour or two away from classwork can totally rejuvenate your mindset and will make your experience in optometry school much more enjoyable. 
  4. Be open to new study tactics. In undergrad, I studied by myself. Study groups have been a miracle worker for me since starting optometry school. The volume and difficulty level of this material compared to your undergraduate studies can be overwhelming. Many times, the methods that worked for you before simply don’t work now, and that’s okay! Studying with classmates and categorizing material have been two of the key changes I have had to make. There is no shame in admitting you might need to switch up your tactics. 
  5. Use your resources. Don’t be afraid to ask for help! Utilize information from upperclassmen, professors and mentors. These people were in your shoes not too long ago, and they understand what you’re going through. They will have so many helpful tips and things to tell you. Also, take advantage of any tutoring and counseling opportunities that your school may offer. Reaching out for help, whether it be for school or your mental health, is always an honorable thing to do.
  6. Find a support system. Having somebody to vent and talk to, whether it is a best friend, roommate, family member, mentor or even a pet, is essential. There are bound to be moments that you feel totally overwhelmed or just need to rant and get something off  your chest. Find the people in your life who can be there in those moments and remember that they are rooting for you!
  7. Be involved. You will have so many different opportunities to get involved in your school from clubs to research to social events. Finding a group and purpose through school will make your experience even more enjoyable. Now is the time to find out what you are interested in, so do it!
  8. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes. Now is the time to make mistakes. You are in an amazing learning environment, and one of the best ways to learn is through the mistakes you make. Take those failures and allow yourself to grow from them, that’s how you will find the most success.  
  9. Keep up with your lectures. Cramming the couple days before an exam may have worked for you in the past, but that strategy is nearly impossible in optometry school. One of the best ways to not let yourself fall behind is to review your lectures daily and try to learn the information as you go, instead of the day before the exam.
  10. Be adventurous and open to change. Some people may start optometry school with a direct goal in mind while others have no direct path in mind. Either is completely okay. Take advantage of the amazing academic opportunities available to you and try different things; volunteer for research opportunities or local eye care clinics. One of these opportunities may offer you a new perspective of optometry.  

Advice for Those Flying Under the Radar of Success to Become A Bright(er) Signal: My Interpretation on How to Be Successful in Optometry School

By Gabrielle Magee 05.07.21

Success is different depending on your goals, and it can be achieved in a variety of ways. The key is to set your goal, define success then take the path that works best for you. What is your definition of success in school going to be? There’s no wrong answer! The definition I use (and love) is, “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.” –Maya Angelou.  

This article will share a little about how I learned to live the definition of success and some tips that may help you live yours.  

Let’s start from the ground up. To get through this thing, you need to like and care for yourself before you can show up for others (family, friends, classmates, PATIENTS). 

  1. Keep yourself healthy. Mind, body, soul. This is a non-negotiable! What grounds you in the middle of chaos? What types of self-care help you look and feel your best? Personally, I rely on a routine as a template for my day. It helps me use less brain power on setting up my day and more on learning as much as I can during it (efficiency hack!). I work out every day before class/lab/clinic. Call me crazy, but exercise keeps me awake and ready to learn. It also has improved my confidence, motivation, and overall health. While it isn’t easy, it is possible and worth every ounce of dedication (even if it is only 15-20 min). 
  1. Find amazing friends who match your personality. These are the people who will get you through the next four years (shout out to my person, Shelby Tomek). They are your optometry school ‘Google’ when you have absurd or picky questions—just in case it’s on the exam! Make a study schedule with them and decide when to work on homework assignments, study for exams, and go to open lab hours to practice skills. They will be your accountability partners and make you not feel alone through your journey.  
  1.  Have self-discipline. Avoid self-sabotage.  If you aren’t on your own team, who will be? I’m not saying don’t have fun, just plan for it. Your schedule doesn’t allow for an excess amount of freedom, so be intentional with your time. Self-discipline will put you on the fast track to success. An episode or two of your favorite show is fine. An entire series binge on a weeknight: not okay! Moderation is the best of both worlds. Enjoy and relax, but don’t let a lack of discipline set you back. 

 

Now, how are you going to like what you are doing? Spoiler alert: Optometry school is not a walk in the park, so you’ll need to find the aspects you love to keep you going. 

  1. Get to know your faculty. Believe it or not, they are not all that scary! They are people just like you, not just “tough [insert subject here] professor.” They want you to be great and are there for you. It’s their job to get you to where you need to be, and they are a resource for your success as a future doctor. Trust me, class will be more enjoyable (and dare I say fun?) when you are comfortable enough to participate and ask questions. 
  1. Pursue your interest, just not every club on the list. Don’t spread your time and energy thin on things to ‘add it to the resume.’ Spend your time on what gets you excited. This will create a positive feedback loop. That taste of excitement will be in the back of your mind when all you want to do is complain about a subject you don’t care for. This is a fantastic way to bring light to your end goal and remind yourself you are ready for whatever it takes to get there.  
  1. Don’t turn down opportunities that will help you grow, even if it seems like a lot of extra work. Growth is about stepping outside your comfort zone. At the beginning of my first year, I applied for the U.S. Navy health professions scholarship program knowing my chance of acceptance was slim, and toward the end of my first year, I applied for the T35 summer research program out of curiosity and never thought it would lead to me entering the OD/MS program. Here I am, only a few semesters away from my master’s thesis defense and currently, an ensign (0-1) in the U.S. Navy awaiting my base assignment as a lieutenant (0-3) once I graduate. Take chances on potential opportunities; it may change your career path and potentially your life!  

 

Finally, there are specific actions that can launch you into success throughout your career as a student.  

  1. Learn and study with efficiency and purpose.In class, relate topics to your future patients. Don’t think “when am I possibly going to need to know this stuff?” The truth is, the more you know about how the body works and how diseases can affect the entire body, the better doctor you will be. Don’t be average, strive to stand out and solve problems! Study for understanding not memorization. Make connections between courses and different aspects of optometry. This is not the time to cram because the rest of your life will be cumulative.  
  1. Learn to think for yourself. Do your own research, piece teachings together, and craft what works for you. You know yourself better than anyone, so craft how you want to practice someday. Feel confident in the clinic by using methods that work best for you. You don’t have to be a robot and just do as you are told. Just be able to explain to your attending why you performed certain tests/procedures. They will appreciate this and think highly of you for being able to do so!  
  1. Keep the faith through it all. Find positivity in everything you do. Believe in yourself. This is your time to ask questions, accept that you are here to learn and that sometimes can mean setbacks. Don’t be too hard on yourself. When you fall short of your expectations, figure out a plan on how to do better. Pray, meditate, vent, go to office hours, get lost in the music, dance it out, whatever you need to do, do it! Be kind to yourself and have a positive mindset. Study hard, capitalize on what you enjoy, bring light to your strengths, and groom your weaknesses. You’ve got this!  

 

5 Things I learned as a Non-Traditional Optometry Student

By Gabrielle Magee 05.04.21

Like many other students, I didn’t know exactly what I wanted to do after graduating college. I knew I wanted to work with patients. I knew I wanted to further my education, but I didn’t know which direction I wanted to take things. I ended up taking a medical assistant and scribe position at an eye center. Fast forward four years, I ended up falling in love with the field and chose to pursue a degree in optometry. I was ready to jump back into school, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t a little bit anxious about returning to school after such a long time away! Now, as I wrap up my third year, I have no regrets about the path I’ve taken. Here are five thoughts that sum up some of my experience as a non-traditional optometry student: 

  1. Your work experience in the real world is invaluable! There’s no substitute for professional experience in the working world. You might not feel it right off the bat, but once you get into the clinic and start working with patients, your previous work experience will definitely come in handy! You will have a better sense of professionalism and problem-solving skills from your previous experience that will help you enter your clinical experience with more confidence.
  2. There is an age gap between you and your classmates. This one might seem obvious but it can be a tough pill to swallow for some! I’ll admit I was nervous entering a program where some of my classmates were five to six years younger than me, but once things got rolling, I honestly stopped noticing that difference. You and your classmates are all in the same program together working toward the same goal, and that fact alone helps you relate to your classmates unconditionally.
  3. You know what life is like outside of being a student. You’ve already seen the light at the end of the tunnel! Compared to your classmates, you know what it’s like to have a job, to not necessarily have homework to go home to after work. The decision to return to school may not be an easy one, but the perspective you gained from some time away from school will definitely help you visualize your end goals and give you the drive you need to succeed.
  4. You have a jump start on a professional network. Having professional contacts is always a good thing. In the time you spent during undergrad and grad school, whether you know it or not, you were building your network. If you spent time working in the eye care industry, even better, but if not, those contacts still matter! Having people available to reach out to for professional recommendations or even advice can be a huge leg up. 
  5. You’re not exempt from impostor syndrome. In grad school, everyone has feelings of inadequacy from time to time.  When your classmates have freshly completed their undergrad studies, it’s definitely tempting to compare yourself to them. When I have these feelings, I remind myself that we’re all in the same boat together. The more you talk with your classmates, the more you realize how similar your struggles are. Having confidence in your knowledge and skills will help carry you through difficult times! 

NBEO Part I is Over – Now What?

By Gabrielle Magee 05.04.21

Third–year optometry students across the country have been spending much of their time over the past few months preparing for Part I of NBEO.

Now that the exam is finished, how should you spend all of this newly discovered free time? 

  1. Talk to your attendings about your strengths and weaknesses in the clinic. Focus on the areas that need improvement for the rest of the semester to better prepare yourself for fourth–year rotations. 
  2. Secure your housing and other miscellaneous tasks associated with fourth–year rotations that may require relocation. Reach out to older students who have been to the location to help you better prepare for the experience. 
  3. Make sure you are up-to-date with your doctor’s appointments, especially if you will be relocating this summer or may have forgotten about one of them while studying.  
  4. Explore residencies that you may be interested in using the ASCO Residency Program Directory. If a residency is not on your radar, consider reaching out to practices with specialties in your areas of interest and set up a time to shadow.  
  5. Keep advocacy at the front of your mind by signing up for Optometry’s Meeting®, which has been relocated to Denver, Colorado, June 24-26, 2021!  
  6. Pick up a new hobby or get back to something you put on hold before the big exam. Need some ideas? Try painting, playing an instrument, needlework, photography, reading or becoming a plant parent.  
  7. Take care of both your physical and mental health. Get back into the gym or enjoy the beautiful weather outside by incorporating a daily walk into your schedule. Stock your fridge with fruits and veggies and try a new recipe. Practice yoga or meditation to slow down your mind. Make sure to get eight hours of sleep each night.  
  8. Set aside quality time to spend with your friends or family. Explore metro or state parks in your area. Try a new coffee shop or restaurant. Or simply have a movie night with your favorite snacks. 

 

Most importantly, choose something that will make you happy. You have just completed one of the largest exams of your life–you deserve a break!