Can you tell us about your path to optometry school? I’m Yakin Ali from Seattle, WA. I earned a B.S. in Biology from the University of Washington. My interest in healthcare began in high school and grew through volunteering, working as a COPE Health Scholar, and later as an optometry technician. These roles taught me teamwork, patient care, and sparked my passion for eye health. I also engaged in research and community outreach, which strengthened my desire to advocate for accessible healthcare. These combined experiences led me to pursue optometry.
What inspired you to pursue the optometry profession? My first optometry visit sparked my interest, but real inspiration came from clinical experiences. I loved helping patients with contacts and seeing their joy. I admired how optometrists guide patients with compassion and serve as both educators and leaders. Their role in diagnosing health issues through eye exams and forming patient connections solidified my decision to join the field.
How do you manage stress during school? Hobbies like reading in a book club and motorsports photography helped me manage stress and build friendships. I also learned to adapt my study methods and found group study and office hours helpful. Having supportive communities kept me motivated during tough times.
What do you wish you’d known as an undergraduate? I wish I had understood the value of networking earlier, especially as a first-generation student. It took time to build relationships with mentors and professionals. I also wish I had developed a stronger self-care routine sooner, as balancing well-being with academics is essential.
What do you enjoy most about being a SHPEPLE student? SHPEPLE provided mentorship, outreach opportunities, and a supportive community. I gained valuable insights from medical students and participated in programs like Doctors for a Day, which exposed me to healthcare education and teamwork. The peer support and connections I’ve made have been a crucial part of my journey into optometry.