Words of Wisdom to the Class of 2020 from Your Alumni Commun

Just this morning I was talking with my mother about how sad we were for this year’s graduating Optometry class, and being unable to have graduation, and the celebrations that would naturally come afterwards, familydinners, parties, outings. Tobe honest, I thinkmy family celebrated for an entire year afterwards, as it is such a monumental accomplishment to finish this long and rigorous program!! So while it must be such a let- down to not be able to do these things right now, remember, you still have gotten that OD degree you have been working towards for so many years! That does not change. YOU DID IT!! Your family and friends are just as proud as if they attended in person and had the celebrations, and hopefully in a few months, you will be able to celebrate properly, and gather with the people who are important to you. By then, probably you’ll already even have begun working, and providing eyecare, and helping people see better, and even collecting paychecks. Your celebrations will be all the more meaningful when you’ll be able to share with people how happy you are, and the feelings of accomplishment and gratification you feel, for having literally achieved your dreams.So, keep your chin up, and be damn proud of yourselves!! Congratulations, and welcome to the profession. Best of luck to the Class of 2020!

Grace Csatells, 1994