Why do you think it's important to be an ICO alumni ambassador?

I want to promote the value of a US optometric education. As a Canadian who attended a US school, when I was in undergrad looking into optometry, there weren’t a lot of opportunities to learn about schools in the US. I had to do my own research, I didn't know who to contact, or how to reach out and/or how to get others’ perspectives on various schools. Over 50% of current practicing optometrists in Canada are US trained. To me this is a clear indication of the quality of a US education. There are some phenomenal programs in the US. I'm a huge advocate of being a US-trained grad and then practicing optometry in Canada.

Canadians want to understand what this experience will be like, and they want that perspective from other Canadians. I mean, yeah sure. It's good to go to a fun city like Chicago or New York, but then how do you get more details about these schools? Being able to shadow an ICO grad’s practice has a lot of merit as well. Having someone you can talk to who is a graduate of these schools and lives in your city can be an incredible resource. 

What's one thing you'd want people to know about alumni ambassadors?

One thing people should know about alumni ambassadors is that you can reach out to us at any point. If you want to shadow my practice, come and shadow my practice. If you have questions about what to do after school, how to get a job, how to get involved with the community once you graduate, who to network with when you return, come talk to us. We're here to help, and at the end of the day, we don't look at other graduates as competition but as colleagues. We're just a point of contact for you to lean on. I've had students who come back at Christmas break to shadow for a few days or come back after their first year and work at my clinic. We're a resource, we’re from the same family, and we’re here to help. And from our side, we trust ICO grads because they've gone through the same rigorous program as we ourselves did.

What knowledge do you hope to impart to those you mentor?

Instead of reinventing the wheel, I just want to help diffuse uncertainty. The uncertainty of what to expect can be a huge stressor when transitioning into a grad program especially one in a different country. Sometimes you just need someone to lean on to ask questions. We’re here to offer insights as people who have already made it through the program and who have already made that same move that so many of these students are considering.

Why is it important for you to continue your connection with ICO?

I want to give back to the institution that gave me my education. ICO gave so much to me. It allowed me to have a top-notch education and I want to stay connected. It's not like I go to Chicago every year, but this is my way to keep in contact with the school and be involved at some level.

It's an easy thing to say, but there's a lot of value to that. You always appreciate where you've come from, and this is me giving back to the community, the school, and the institution that did so much for me.