On August 23, 2013 I saw a room full of my peers for the first time. We started the day by having our picture taken, which will accompany our name for the next four years. Only one snap from the photographer and my destiny was sealed. I am horrified that I made a goofy smile, or ended up in mid blink. The day continued, and we had chances to ask questions to older students and even some of the faculty. We even receieved our much anticipated equipment. A staple of any optometry student, we all rolled away with a smile, feeling a little bit professional for the first time. The most memorable moment was taking our very first Optometric Oath as a class.

The Optometric Oath

WITH FULL DELIBERATION, I FREELY AND SOLEMNLY PLEDGE THAT:

• I will practice the art and science of optometry faithfully and conscientiously, and to the fullest scope of my competence
• I will uphold and honorably promote by example and acction the highest standards, ethics and ideals of my chosen profession and the honor of the degree, Doctor of Optometry, which will be granted to me upon completion of all academic requirements.
• I will provide professional care for those who seek my services, with concern, with compassion and with due regard for their human rights and dignity.
• I will place the treatment of those who seek my care above personal gain and strive to see that none shall lack for proper care.
• I will hold as privileged and inviolable all information entrusted to me in confidence by my patients.
• I will advise my pateients fully and honestly of all which may serve to restore, maintain or enhance their vision and general health.
• I will strive continuosly to broaden my knowledge and skills so that my patients may benefit from all new and efficacious means to enhance the care of human vision.
• I will share information cordially and unselfishly with my fellow optometrists and other professionals for the benefit of patients and the advancement of human knowledge and welfare.
• I will do my utmost to serve my community, my country and humankind as a citizen as well as an optometrist.
• I hereby commit myself to be steadfast in the performance of this my solemn oath and obligation.

I am incredibly proud to be a University of Houston College of Optometry student. We are the only optometry school in the entire country with an ambulatory surgical center. The profession is governed by the legislature so for now, in the state of Texas, optometrists are not able to perform surgeries. However, twenty years ago optometrists weren't able to dilate the eye, prescribe antibiotics, or treat glaucoma. Times changed and the laws finally caught up with the education of the profession. I am honored to be a part of a program so ahead of the time. The surgery center is equipped with the most hightech technology in the state, and maybe even the country. Any occular surgery has the ability to be peformed there, and we will have the opportunity to rotate through to observe. The hope is to show legislature the capability and the scope of learning that takes place in our program. By proving competence, hopefully the profession will continue moving in a positive direction. We are in an amazing new building. Our class will be the first to experience all four years of school there. It adds a whole new level to this experience and I am humbled.

It's the night before orientation. I have jitters and it isn't even the first day yet. I even resorted to elementary tactics such as picking out outfits in front of the mirror, retrying on piece after piece. The dress code is business casual. What does that even mean anyways!? I don't want to be stuffy and overdressed, yet at the same time not too casual and blasé. After many changes and angled glances in the mirror, the deed is done and the outfit is chosen.

It isn't so much as the importance of the outfit as it is about making the best first impression possible. We are entering into our profession, and we are presenting ourselves to our peers and professors. It is an exciting feeling knowing you are on the edge of a free fall into your future.

Last night I had the privilege of getting to meet some of my classmates. Walking into Dave and Busters I was greeted with a table full of smiling young adults. Everyone was glowing. I know that sounds silly, but imagine a room full of people seeing the dream they have been working on for years finally come true. I over heard one girl faintly say, "I can't believe this is all happening. It's so surreal."

Surreal: a bizarre, dreamlike state. The place where fantasy meets reality. The opportunities in front are endless. And even though my enthusiasm may wane as test week approaches, I want to eat up this moment and relish in the endless possibilities that await.

The first time I saw a swim workout on paper I thought I was reading a foreign language. Add in following a set by the clock and it was enough to throw me into a panic. I was a lifeguard in high school and lasted on the WHS swim team for less than a week... Early morning practices and wet, chlorine ridden hair just wasn't my thing at the time. So, it was to my surprise that I was offered the assistant swim coach position when I was hired to teach math and science at Bryan High. I hesitantly agreed and was under the impression that I would be adding a much needed set of hands, and would incur only a handful of extra hours to my schedule. Oh how young and naive.

Swim team activities began before the school year even started. Now most people think of a school pool as an indoor, basement, dungeon of a setting. The Bryan Aquatic Center, however, was an outdoor facility located caddy corner to the high school. It was a year round pool that was home to the Bryan Viking Swimming & Diving Team.

As someone with a disorder that worsens with extreme weather, temperature, and especially sunlight, it is easy to say that it wasn't the wisest move when I accepted the position. The swim season ran from August to February, the longest of any high school sport; also meaning I got to enjoy all four seasons outside rain or shine. I distinctly remember one early morning, 6:30am, winter practice where I stood by the pool for two hours in 30 degree weather. Did I mention it was POURING rain the whole time? The swimmers had it lucky on those days... The pool stayed a toasty 80 in the winter, and the steam rose up and condensed on my face into a dewy, cold mist. The rest of the day was spent teaching with cold, wet feet and numb, tingling hands. Even with two pairs of socks, boots, gloves, scarf, down coat, and a hat, I just couldn't stay warm enough!

For as many awful days, there were just as many wonderful days. The kids were indescribable. Funny, witty, and incredibly smart. They kept me on my toes and made the job worthwhile. At first they would get frustrated with my incompetence of swim knowledge, but slowly they grew to know me and with it came the gift of patience and understanding. I learned more about swimming during the last year than I have ever learned in my life. Drills, techniques, dry lands, and even creating my own sets. I eventually lived up to my adorned name, "Coach P".

With that being said, I want to continue my learned love for the sport of swimming. While I spent most of my time out of the water coaching this past year, I thought it was the right time to jump right in and make a splash with this new school year starting. And so, while my swim kids will be preparing for their upcoming season, I will be spreading my wings (or fins?) for the first time as an avid lap swimmer.

Swimming is quite possibly one of the most health beneficial exercises. It is easy on the joints which is especially helpful for me. One of my goals for this semester is to create a consistent exercise routine which includes lots of yoga and swimming. But, being the ex-swim coach that I am, I decided to max out my gear and build the perfect swim bag to start of the plan right. Now, you don't have to have all this equipment to have a successful lap swim session, but this is the equipment that I believe will best maximize time and effort spent in the pool. My swim bag is complete, and I am more than ready to start my routine at the UH Recreation & Wellness Center on the first day of school when my membership is finally activated!

Steph's Essential Swim Bag Swag

-Swim Suit

-Water Bottle

-Mesh Bag

-Fins

-Hand paddles

-Pull buoy

-Kick board

-Goggles

-Cap

-waterproof MP3 player 

-Mesh Shower Caddy

-Flip Flops

-Shampoo/conditioner

-Hair Brush

-Soap

-Loofa

-Face wash

-Towel

-Change of clothes

-Hair Ties

-Advil

And an easy workout to get started!

Only 12 days till it all begins. It is the calm before the storm, and I cant help but to reflect on what brought me to this reality. My dreams  are now my actuality, and it  is a humbling feeling. What once started as a faint whisper has now turned into an unstoppable roar. It has been a long journey to reach this point in my life. And in all honesty, I wasn't sure if I would ever make it. 

It has been three year since I was started on corticosteroid treatment and had to withdraw from Texas A&M University. My moon face is long gone now, and its hard to look at me and imagine that I was actually the person that existed during that nightmare. It all seems like a foggy, haze of a memory. After countless doctors and medications, it seemed my dream of going to optometry school was nothing but that: a dream.

Following my graduation from A&M, I settled my hopes for encouraging the next generation to embrace a love for science. Becoming a teacher was nothing like I imagined. It was grueling, unrelenting, and the students were less than forgiving to say the least. But at the same time it was the most rewarding experience I have ever had in my life. Working with learning disabled  students  in a low income setting was challenging. I was constantly forced to find a creative way to show them that it was possible for them to reach for their dreams. The more I preached, the more I asked myself, "Why did you stop reaching for your dreams?" Why is it okay for me to settle and yet I expect more from those around me?

Fear. I wasn't afraid that I wouldnt be able to learn the material. I knew I was capable of anything academically as long as  I set my mind to. No, it was something much more complicated than that. I was scared that I would get sick again. Afraid that the next time it happened, the symptoms would escalate into something much worse than before. But how was I to continue to encourage others without following my own advice. I felt like a hypocrite. I pride myself on striving for authenticity. Was I going to allow a "what if" to dictate my life?

Deciding to take on the challenge of optometry school was no easy feat. I didn't want to look back one day, bitter with resent of never finishing what I started. Reading through the thought process of my past, I discovered my re-admission essay to Texas A&M University. It was a time in my life when I was determined to overcome anything that stood in my way. I admired this voice. It resonated courage and fearlessness:

"I still struggle on a daily basis with my auto-immune diseases. Sometimes, I have to force myself to take a step back and relax; I just can’t push myself like I did in the past. I am determined to get back into school and finish my degree in biomedical sciences. I still hope to be able to enter into Optometry School. Though my future is unclear, there is one thing I know for sure: There is no way I am going to let any disease take over my life."

I am proud of my decision to take the first step. Though I know I am just beginning this adventure, I can already tell it is the path I was meant to follow. Now, I can visit my students and show them that it is possible to conquer, overcome, and succeed.

The word trapezius brings to mind a circus trapeze.

The word trapezoid brings to mind a geometric shape.

Both of these things are thousand times better than a trapezius sprain. I thought I'd gotten through 2 moves without any expense besides the price for a uhaul and a little blood, sweat, & tears; yes, there were all three. However, to no avail, my trapezoid muscle fell victim to my over zealous delirium of post-move exhaustion and margaritas.

 I think the straw that finally broke the camel's back (pun intended) was my attempt at setting up a whiteboard. In an effort to create the perfect study area, I purchased a white board/poster easel that would fold down easily to a table top position. After an evening of happy hour and back to school shopping, I was honestly in no shape to try and assemble.

But being the go getter that I am, I put all reason aside and did it anyway. The board was just as wobbly and unleveled as my state of mind. Somewhere along the way between the upright and bent over position (no pun intended) I managed to throw out my back. Obviously I am going to have to return this one and get a less abusive whiteboard.

After a trip to the doctor, and a prescription of etordolac later, I am in a much better state. Hopefully in 2-4 weeks things should be back to normal. Ironically, the swim gear I have much anticipated finally arrived in the mail today. The Finis Neptune, an underwater MP3 player, uses sound wave vibrations to conduct music straight to the inner ear. I can't wait to see if it works, but it looks like it will be a while before I can test it out to its full potential.

When I was a teacher I worked a minimum of 55 hours a week...So now that the school year is over, and I am in that awkward gap between starting optometry school, I am incredibly bored. After accepting my first round of financial aid, I have come to the realization that I need to save every penny possible. With that being said, I have tons of time with not a lot of money to spend. So when it came time for lunch, I decided to save money and scrounge up something in the kitchen. As a college student I found ramen noodle soup as a go-to cheap meal. However, in light of the apauling sodium content and its detriments to health, I decided to go with something a little less malicious and a little more nutritious. Alas, I decided a PB&J it would be. Upon my search through the fridge I found no jelly or jam, but I did find a carton of strawberries that had seen better days. Hoping to salvage a few bucks (and the strawberries), I decided to solve my problems by making homemade strawberry jam.

Peanut butter, jelly time.

PEANUT BUTTER, JELLY TIME!!

C'mon, I know your jelly ;)

Strawberry Jam Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups fresh strawberries
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Directions:

1. Place strawberries, sugar, and lemon juice in pan.
2. Place small plate in freezer.
3. Bring to boil, reduce heat to medium and simmer for 8 minutes
4. Take spoonful of mixture and place on cold plate for 30 seconds.
5. Tilt plate, and if mixture runs then continue cooking for 1-2 minutes. Repeat until consistancy on cold plate does not slide.
6. Serve or store after jam reaches room temperature.

Yields 3/4 cup of strawberry jam

Stress. It's bound to happen. My mission is to handle it as gracefully as possible.

Stress is the trash of modern life- We all generate it, but if we don't dispose of it properly, it will pile up and overtake our lives. These are my current and prospective stress disposal methods:

If you drive a car that requires premium gas, you can't expect it to run smoothly on regular. Same goes for the body. The quality of what we input directly affects our output. Staying healthy and maintaining a balanced diet will be essential to maintaining low stress. These super food really pack a punch.

Exercise. A body in motion, stays in motion. Yes, I might have stolen that from a commercial, but it is entirely true. The more active the body, the less stress we leave cooped up in our body.

Breathing. Such a simple thing, yet I find myself not practicing proper breathing all the time. Anytime I feel overwhelmed I know if I practice my deep yoga breathing then I will find inner peace.

We have five keen senses. Each one prone to stress. This also means we can use our senses to our de-stressing advantage. Create an environment that relaxes each essential part of your being.

A tranquil environment is one candle or a few drops essential oil away.

It's amazing how we can kinesthetically remove stress. Besides a workout, we can keep our body in motion and constantly disposing of excess stress. Try bubble wrap or even playdoh inside a balloon as a makeshift stress ball.

Well, the university has posted the academic calendar. Which means I can now visually assess my future academic stress. Ofcourse instead of relaxing and letting the tide rise as it may, I decided to stock myself with as much information as possible. I'm talking about information on HOW to be successful. Call me a nerd, but positive motivation and an army of study tools seems to quell my anxiety.

And nothing helps me more than inspirational quotes. These are some of my current favorites:

The countdown is on. In only 26 days I will start school at The University of Houston College of Optometry. Saw where my first year classes will be... Bring. It. On.

Anatomy Lab with histology stations. Can't wait to work with cadavers. Creepy, I know... But the human body is so fascinating, and dissecting a beagle in college just didn't cut it. (Get it, cut.)