Health Professions

What made you choose Lake Forest College?

If I’m being honest, the campus was pretty, the food was great, and they let me play softball. But, in retrospect what I should have seen was how I was about to get the personal attention from my professors that I needed to become anything I wanted.

How did a liberal arts education make a difference for you?

I didn’t only live in the science building. One of my favorite classes was actually a religion course that I took to fulfill a requirement; I didn’t even know that learning about Buddhism was something that interested me. I am well-rounded and open-minded as a result of my time at LFC.

What experiences outside of the classroom do you think helped prepare you for The Doctor of Optometry program you engaged in?

As a two-sport athlete, time management became invaluable. Balancing school with practice and road trips wasn’t always easy, but my coaches and professors were supportive in guiding me. In addition, athletics taught me about teamwork and leadership, two qualities I use daily.

How did your time at Lake Forest help you prepare to apply for your current heathcare position?

LFC gave me a confidence that comes after being held to a high standard and succeeding. I was pushed to excel in the classroom and athletics even when I thought it was hopeless. I became a better version of myself.

What do you think of the new Health Professions Program between LFC and RFU?

I think it’s amazing. I am jealous that it wasn’t a thing when I was at LFC. I knew after my first year that I was going to apply for Optometry school and at the time nobody from LFC had ever gone; now to have a whole program dedicated to helping students get into their healthcare professions, what a gift. And for students to even be able to shave a year off the process, also, such a gift.

What skills and experiences at Lake Forest do you believe will help you be successful?

The paper writing and the essay tests; the writing skills you will learn are not taught everywhere, but are so important for your adult life. And when you have to hand write an answer on a biology test vs. filling in a bubble on a form, you’d better know what you’re talking about or it’ll be wrong. Personal growth comes when you are held accountable.

What advice would you give a high school student looking to pursue pre-health and is considering Lake Forest College?

If you want to prepare for med school, attend Lake Forest College. It will not be easy, but it will be worth it. An education at LFC is worth every penny for what it will teach you about yourself and what you’re capable of becoming.