By: Kristen Zulliger, OSU Class of 2022

POSTED ON 05.04.21

Health & Wellness

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!