Young Idealist to become Visionary Optometrist

My “Leadership After City Year” (LACY) plans are to study abroad and then to enter into optometry school. I recently received a scholarship from Rotary International to study in Spain for a year. There, I will represent not only myself, but also Rotary International and the United States. I will serve as an ambassador between our two countries, working to foster understanding between the different cultures. In order to do this, I will give talks in Spain about our customs here in the United States; when I return, I will also tell of my experiences abroad and what I learned of the traditions in Spain.
I am also currently in the midst of applying to optometry school. It is a little difficult, because I need to apply almost a year earlier than the normal application period. However, I am very excited to start on a path towards doing something I love. I have been very passionate about vision for many years now, and I look forward to helping others to better see the world around them.
City Year is helping me prepare for and achieve my goals in a few ways. Firstly, I am working in a K-8 school that has a large Latino population. Because of this, I am able to interact with Spanish-speaking students and parents. I was originally nervous about keeping up with my Spanish-speaking skills, since I do not have time to continue taking Spanish classes. However, I seem to get even more practice than I would have if I had still been in school.
City Year also teaches its corps members about diversity and inclusivity. I believe that in the past three months I have been exposed to many more social, economic, racial, and sexual orientation backgrounds than I was in the whole twenty-two years of my life prior to serving with CYGP. When I travel to Spain, I will need to keep an open mind about my experiences. Although this past summer I felt I was prepared to handle being immersed in a whole new culture, I know now that by the end of my service year, I will be equipped with the skills to handle almost any situation that may come my way.
Another important factor in serving with City Year is their intensive leadership development training. These trainings will help me to take initiative in completing my speaking and volunteer tasks while in Spain. They are also preparing me for my optometry career. I will need these skills in completing my classes and, hopefully, in one day opening my own practice. It is apparent that City Year is not only giving me the opportunity to serve my country, but is also giving me the skills needed to achieve my future goals.

Caitlin M., 22, corps member, Hopkinson Elementary