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I chose Ferris State University for my undergraduate studies, where I majored in applied biology. I was active in multiple student organizations during my undergraduate education, and remain so today with many of the organizations offered at MCO. I am one of the second year class representatives, MCO student liaison to the COVD, and I also hold an executive board position in our private practice organization, MOSPPA. I became fascinated with the profession in high school after shadowing an optometrist. My family has a history of high prescriptions and binocular vision problems, and I realized how fulfilling it would be to help those with similar problems. I truly believe that MCO has some of the most talented faculty in the profession. MCO has offered me the unique ability to form close relationships with faculty and students alike, which has been an invaluable quality. Please email me with any questions! herrona4@ferris.edu |
Anne St. Louis I earned my Bachelor of Science and Master of Public Health degrees at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. I didn't always know that I wanted to be an optometrist, but I knew that I wanted to work with people and be actively involved in improving the health and wellness of others. Optometry offers us, as practitioners, the ability to make vast improvements in patients' lives and general health on a daily basis in a pleasant, dynamic work environment. I chose to apply to the Michigan College of Optometry because of my confidence that I would be trained to be an excellent clinician. When I met the faculty, staff, and students at MCO, I was sure that it was the place for me. On top of a new facility, small class sizes, and wonderful people, MCO offers great student organizations and outreach opportunities that combine to make for a truly unique and rewarding experience. Please feel free to contact me with any questions at Anne.St.Louis@gmail.com. |
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Jessica Hartwig I completed my undergraduate studies at Lake Superior State University, where I received a BS in Biology and a minor in Chemistry. While at LSSU, I was actively involved as a student being the President for the Pre-Profession and Biology clubs as well as being a tutor, supplemental instructor, and playing intramural sports. Here at MCO, I am currently involved with almost all of the student organizations and love playing sports. I have always been interested in optometry, since my dad is an optometrist. I have worked as an ophthalmic technician for my dad's practice for the past six summers to gain experience in the field of optometry and loved every minute of it. It is a rewarding profession knowing that you are enhancing people's life through vision. I believe MCO provides the best optometric education and the low faculty to student ratio is why I chose MCO. I feel the professors here care about my education as much as I do and are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. If you have any questions about optometry or MCO, feel free to email me at: hartwij3@ferris.edu |
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I grew up in western Michigan and attended Ferris State University where I majored in applied Biology. My interest in optometry grew out of my passion for science, patient care, and the constantly increasing scope and complexity of the profession. Nowhere else can you have the satisfaction of immediately improving the quality of a patient's life as you do with enhancing vision. Attending MCO is one of the best decisions you can make in preparing yourself for a successful career in Optometry. It can't be stressed enough how vital the small class size is to helping students truly achieve knowledge and mastery of clinical skills. The faculty is extremely helpful and highly knowledgeable. MCO offers the opportunity to become involved in a variety of student organizations and the bond you build among classmates is only possible here. Feel free to e-mail any questions you have about the profession or MCO. Good Luck! kimbrop@ferris.edu |
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Kristin O'Brien I graduated from H. H. Dow High School in Midland, MI in 2004 and attended undergraduate
school at Ferris State University where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Biology
in 2008. I have been involved with many extracurricular activities and organizations
over the years including Optometry Student Government, Student Volunteer Optometric
Services to Humanity, American Optometric Student Association, and the Michigan Optometric
Student Association. As a first year student, I founded the Michigan Optometric Student
Private Practice Association and have been President for three years. I am very passionate
about private practice optometry and hope to eventually open my own practice in Colorado.
Outside of school, I worked as an ophthalmic technician for two summers at Great Lakes
Eye Institute, volunteered three years in a row for Opening Eye’s Special Olympics
Vision Screening at Central Michigan University, and participated in an optometric
mission trip to Guyana where over 1,500 underprivileged people received free eye exams
and glasses. I am very fortunate to be in such a rewarding career and feel privileged
to attend the most technicologically advanced optometry school in the world! obri22@ferris.edu |
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Jesse Rossow I earned my BS in Biology at South Dakota State University in Brookings, South Dakota. I came to Ferris State because of the small class sizes and warm welcome I got at my interview. I first considered becoming an optometrist on a career day trip in high school. It was shortly afterward that I decided I wanted to dedicate my life to preserving and improving the vision of others. In my summers during college I worked as an optician, which only reinforced my want to be an optometrist. I’m from a small town in rural Minnesota and the Michigan College of Optometry has been a great match for me. The faculty and staff members here at MCO really connect with us on a personal level, and the small class size has allowed me to make close, lifelong friends. Oh, and on a side note, we have a wonderful new building with state-of-the-art equipment – something that hardly needs to be mentioned if you’ve visited. Feel free to contact me with any questions that you might have. rossowj@ferris.edu |
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I grew up in St. Joseph, MI and attended Ferris State University for my undergraduate studies, knowing that I wanted to pursue optometry. I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in Applied Biology in 2007. During undergrad, I was a resident advisor for two years and was involved in the Pre-Optometry Club, serving as Vice-President my junior year. Before attending MCO in the fall of 2009, I worked for an ophthalmology/optometry practice in my hometown. This is where my passion for optometry really grew! Having the opportunity to enhance not only vision, but the quality of many people’s lives is very rewarding. During my time there, I was fortunate to go on two mission trips to South America where I helped surgeons perform cataract surgery to those in need. I look forward to continue doing mission work, and am excited that MCO offers these trips to students as they are extremely rewarding. Here at MCO, I am currently the MOSA President, and a past-treasurer of MOSPPA. I am also involved in SVOSH, FCO, OSG, and AOSA. Because of the small class size and the caring doctors, MCO is a tight-knit community. The doctors want to see you succeed not just in the classroom and clinic but in the real world as well. Our new building and state-of-the-art equipment have also made this success very easy. If you have any questions about MCO, please feel free to email me at schl22@ferris.edu. |
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I graduated from Bay City All Saints High School in Bay City, MI and then attended
The University of Michigan-Ann Arbor where I earned my Bachelor’s Degree in Biology
in 2009. At UofM, I was actively involved in Greek Life and served on the board of
many student charities. Here at MCO I serve as the President of Optometry Student
Government, an organization that oversees all of the wonderful student organizations
at our institution and acts as the student liason to the school’s administration.
My interest in the profession of Optometry began in the seventh grade during an annual
comprehensive eye exam. The more that I learned about the profession it became clear
that it was a perfect fit for me. In very few careers can your passion for patient
care be rewarded by immediately enhancing one’s lifestyle as it can through Optometry.
In addition, my strong interest for business make the profession a natural fit as
private practice will allow me to combine my passions of patient care and business
management in one symbiotic relationship. I chose MCO due to its small class sizes,
extraordinarily low student-faculty ratio, and the professors themselves. Our faculty
truly care about you, not only as a student but as a peer and do everything they can
to prepare their students for a rewarding career in Optometry. Please don’t hesitate
to contact me with any questions about optometry or MCO at joshuardavidson@gmail.com |
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I earned my BS in Biology at University of Calgary in Alberta, Canada. My interest in the profession of optometry started in my first year of undergraduate studies and became involved with the pre-optometry club. To obtain better knowledge about the profession, I worked as an optometric assistant and a Hindi medical interpreter for over two years. My passion for the profession only grew stronger from then on. Along with improving a patient’s vision, optometrists can really change one’s quality of life. Being in clinic as a third year student and seeing this first hand truly is rewarding. I initially chose Michigan College of Optometry because of the small class size and the low student to doctor ratio. The support, care and respect I received from the faculty at MCO were really the deciding factors for me. MCO offers some of the best training in the field with latest technology and excellent professors. The faculty is very helpful, caring and is always looking out for the best interest of the students. They work hard for your success and want you to be the best clinician you can be. MCO also offers many student organizations, a few of which that I am involved with are SVOSH, OSG, AOSA, MOSA and MOSPPA. Even though I’m thousands of miles away from home, I am very glad I chose to be a part of the MCO family! Please feel free contact me with any questions at shiyarc@ferri.edu. |
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I graduated with a BA in Biology from Spring Arbor University prior to coming to MCO. In addition to my academic involvement as an Organic Chemistry and Introduction to Chemistry TA at SAU, I was also a four-year member of the varsity volleyball team. My experiences as a student-athlete fully prepared me for the rigorous class schedule of the optometry program at MCO. I have a heart for missions and I knew that I wanted to pursue a career that would allow me to travel outside of the United States and share my talents and abilities with others. My dad, uncle, and aunt are all optometrists so naturally, optometry was the first career I looked into. After working for my dad and shadowing my aunt and uncle, I knew that I wanted to be an optometrist. Having come from a small university, I was drawn to MCO’s small class size and excellent doctor to student ratio. I was also excited to learn about student organizations such as SVOSH and FCO which go on mission trips overseas and provide eye care for people in a number of different countries. In my spare time (which we do occasionally have!), I enjoy playing volleyball, basketball, softball, and football. If you have any questions, feel free to email me! beckerc3@ferris.edu |
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Diane Shahara I earned my Bachelors of Science degree in Biology at Oakland University in 2008.
I believe optometry is one of the best kept secrets as a career. Optometry first drew
my attention in the first grade, when I experienced firsthand the instant gratification
of clear sight with eyeglasses. Ultimately, I chose to attend the Michigan College
of Optometry based off of the small class size, the family environment between students
and faculty, and the cost of education and living. Along with the availability of
top-of-the-line technology, I felt confident I would receive a great education. I
enjoy being involved with different organizations including the Michigan Optometric
Association (MOA), Michigan Optometric Student Private Practice Association (MOSPPA),
Student Volunteer Optometric Services to Humanity (SVOSH), and the Fellowship of Christian
Optometrists (FCO). As a part of FCO, a few of my fellow classmates and I, went on
a mission trip to Guyana to provide free eye care and eyeglasses to those less fortunate.
Similarly, in March with SVOSH, I will be joining another mission trip to help those
in need in San Carlos, Mexico. This field is definitely a rewarding one to doctors
and patients alike. If you have any questions, feel free to contact me at shahard@ferris.edu Second Year Students |
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Sarah Brozzo I completed three years of undergraduate studies at Ferris State University before being accepted into the Class of 2014 at MCO. While at Ferris, I was a part of the Honors Program, Pre-Optometry Club, and Ferris Stars for the Make-A-Wish Foundation. I also worked at the Student Leadership and Activities Office, a job that I kept throughout my first year at MCO, and am now employed with the Academic Senate at Ferris. I chose to pursue my Optometric education at MCO because of the small class size, welcoming faculty, and state-of-the-art facility. A variety of student organizations and annual events compliment the curriculum in preparing students for a rewarding career in Optometry. Don't hesitate to contact me with any questions you may have about Big Rapids, MCO, or student employment! Brozzos@ferris.edu |
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Jason Andrus I did three years of undergraduate at Utah State University and spent two years doing humanitarian service in Massachusetts before coming to MCO. While at USU I was involved with research for Alcon and have enjoyed doing research here at MCO. I will receive my Bachelors of Science from Ferris State University in the spring of 2012. Here at MCO I am the associate director of the Michigan Optometric Student Private Practice Association as well as a member of the MOSA and AOSA. MCO was a good fit for my family for many reasons, including tuition is reasonable and faculty that are very welcoming and helpful. MCO was also a good fit because the town of Big Rapids reminds me of Rexburg, Idaho where I was born and raised. I chose to study optometry because it is a profession that will allow me to be involved in the community and serve patients. In addition optometry affords the opportunity to learn a wide variety of subjects from basic accounting to optics and advanced pathology. When I am not studying I enjoy mountain biking, snowboarding, playing cello in the FSU symphony, and remodeling the house that my wife and I own. jacespeed@gmail.com |
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Loren Baldus I received my Bachelor of Science from Buena Vista University in Storm Lake, Iowa. I studied biology and chemistry. I had been a regular visitor to my optometrist since a young age and found the optical system of the human eye very intriguing. Since I have always enjoyed studying science and the medical profession, optometry was an easy career choice for me. I chose to study optometry at MCO because of the small class sizes and the wonderful new facility that was being constructed. Also, from growing up on a farm in a rural area of Minnesota, I appreciated the smaller community of Big Rapids. In optometry school, I have joined several student organizations and am the president-elect for the student government (OSG). Outside of class, I enjoy playing sports such as basketball, racquetball, and volleyball. loren_353@hotmail.com |
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Krystal Michels My name is Krystal Michels. I did my undergraduate studies at Bemidji State University in Bemidji, Minnesota where I majored in Biology with a Business Administration and Chemistry minor. I enjoy being involved in both the school and community. Currently, I am Vice President of the fellowship of Christian Optometrists (FCO), Secretary of the Michigan Optometric Private Practice Association (MOSPPA), and member of OSG, AOA, SVOSH, and AAO. I also work part time in the clinic. I became interested in optometry when I was in high school because of the phenomenal optometrist I had. He gave me encouraging words and lots of positive feedback about the profession and for that I will always be grateful. When I was in college I shadowed an optometrist in Bemidji. She very much confirmed my decision to be an optometrist. Now being a student in the profession, I am glad I chose it. MCO offers a great program. The new building is beyond amazing and the student/teacher ratio is wonderful. krys_m_06@hotmail.com |
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Andrea Henninger I graduated from Florida Atlantic University’s Honors College, where I majored in Biology. My passion for Optometry originated at a young age as I watched how vision therapy was able to improve my sisters’ vision. In considering an Optometry school, Michigan College of Optometry was my number one choice! The small class sizes and amazing clinical experience, coupled with a new state of the art building nestled in a safe community; I knew I couldn’t go wrong. I was always a leader and active member in many student organizations during my undergraduate studies, and I found an ample amount of opportunities to get involved with at MCO as well. I am the Class Representative for the class of 2014 as well as Vendor Marketing Relations for the Michigan Private Practice Association (MOSPPA). I have been very happy with my decision to come to MCO, and would make the same choice if I had to do it again. If you have any questions about the profession or MCO, just email me! Henningerandreakay@gmail.com |
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Hin Cheung I completed my undergraduate degree at the University of Waterloo majoring in Biomedical Sciences with a minor in Psychology and Biology. In high school, I learned the value of vision when my grandmother began to loose her sight, and from then on Optometry was my goal. I chose MCO for two main reasons: small class size and friendly faculty. Having gone to a university with lectures of up to 800 people in an auditorium, it is easy to get lost in the crowd. The low student to faculty ratio here at MCO is one of the lowest in the country; you'll always get the help you need in and out of the classroom. The staff and faculty are super friendly and helpful, I knew this was the place for me when I interviewed here. There are many ways to get involved, as the President-Elect for SVOSH and the representative of the Class of 2014, I never get bored. Despite being an international student from Canada, my fellow classmates as well as the staff and faculty have really made it feel like home. If you have any questions, don't hesitate to contact me at: cheungh@ferris.edu |
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A.J. Johnson I grew up in Jackson, Michigan and attended Ferris State University for my undergraduate degree. My father owns a practice in Jackson as well, so I've been fortunate enough to grow up around the profession. This is my fifth year in Big Rapids, so I'm pretty familiar with the area. My interests outside of optometry include sports, music, and lifting weights. I chose MCO because the faculty are all very personable, I enjoy the low teacher to student ratio, and the new state of the art facilities provide the best opportunity for success. I'm definitely satisfied with my decision! johnsa13@ferris.edu
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Matthew Tholl I completed my undergraduate training at Central Michigan University where I obtained a Bachelor of Science in Education degree. I taught high school for 3 years, and it was during this time that I found I really enjoyed interacting and building relationships with people. Also from my teaching experiences, I found the human eye to be very intriguing because of its unparalleled abilities. Shortly thereafter, I developed an interest in possibly making optometry my career and I decided to observe at a local optometrist's office; where I became hooked while observing a routine exam. I have found optometry to be a perfect career choice for me since it allows me to combine my passions of human anatomy and interacting with people into my daily work. MCO has offered me a great opportunity to think critically and problem solve in clinic, while creating partnerships with well-respected educators whom are leaders in their respective fields. I find the small school atmosphere allows students and faculty to build positive, lasting relationships. Please email me with any questions you may have regarding the program, housing, and student life: m_tholl@hotmail.com |
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Shawn Miller I am from Traverse City, Michigan and I attended Alma College for my undergraduate studies where I earned a Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry. While at Alma College I enjoyed playing intramural sports and being involved in the Alternative Breaks program. I have always had a strong interest in studying science and pursuing a career in the medical field and, after a routine eye exam and speaking with my optometrist, I knew I wanted to pursue a career in optometry. I enjoy learning about the visual system and optometry provides the opportunity to care for the vision needs of patients in a close doctor/patient environment. I chose to attend MCO because of the small class sizes, caring faculty, state-of-the art facilities, and overall excellent education and opportunities MCO provides. Outside of class I enjoy playing sports, wake boarding, and working on cars. Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions. 44smill@gmail.com |
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Aubrey Dyl I attended Western Michigan University for my undergraduate degrees in Biomedical Science and Music Performance. During my five years at Western I was a member of the University Orchestra as well as various other music ensembles, and I enjoyed playing intramural volleyball and soccer. I obtained a job as an ABO certified optician at Pearle Vision in the beginning of my third year at WMU, and I still work there occasionally during breaks from school. Though my work as an optician gave me an optical basis for starting my studies at the Michigan College of Optometry, I am astounded at how much I find myself learning every day I am here. There is no better place to find classmates that are as supportive and friendly as the students here, and the incredibly knowledgeable professors are always willing to help. I would be happy to answer any questions or assist you in any way that I can. Please don’t hesitate to contact me. dyla@ferris.edu |
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Cynthia Brown I enjoyed working for my undergraduate degree of Biomedical Science at Grand Valley State University in Allendale, Michigan. I became interested in the sophisticated system of vision after an anatomy course during my senior year in high school and job shadowing a few optometrists during undergrad further solidified my love for the profession. The numerous organizations offered at MCO pulled me in right away so I am involved in most of the offered clubs and am secretary of the Fellowship of Christian Optometrists (FCO). I was drawn to MCO because of the incredible faculty and thorough clinic experience and every day these reasons and more reassure me that I made the right choice of profession and school. If you have any questions, feel free to email me at any time. browncynthia88@yahoo.com |
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Nina Glauch I completed my undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science and German concentration. While on the Ann Arbor campus, I participated in Unite for Sight and reinstated Michigan’s Pre-Optometry Club. Through shadowing optometrists in the area, I developed a passion for patient care which has only grown with my time here at MCO. This institution truly gives you all of the tools you need to become an excellent clinician. No other school can match the face-to-face time you get here with incredible faculty members who are so invested in their students. At MCO, I am an AOA-PAC student representative, which challenges me to think of ways students can help support the progression of their profession. In my free time, I am a figure skating coach at the local ice arena. Feel free to email me with any questions you may have! ninaglauch@gmail.com |
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Aaron Heltunen I did three years of undergraduate studies at Ferris State University. While at Ferris, I was a member of the Honors program, a Resident Advisor, and active in the Pre-Optometry club. I first became interested in Optometry as a career in high school, where I was able to shadow and work for my hometown Optometrist. Over breaks from school, I still work as an Optometric Technician. I chose MCO because of the small class sizes and new facility. In addition, MCO has a wide variety of student organizations and school events. Here at MCO, I am the president-elect for the Michigan Optometric Student Association and a member of the AOSA. Aside from school and studying, I enjoy running, swimming, and volleyball. Feel free to contact me with any Questions! heltuna@ferris.edu
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I did my undergraduate education at the University of Michigan, where I majored in history and minored in Italian. I have tried to be as involved as I can here at MCO, where I am the AOSA Trustee-elect and am also a member of the MOSA and MOSPPA. My primary interests concerning optometry relate to ocular disease and the business aspects of running a private practice. MCO is a fantastic school for those students who are looking for a hands-on education and who are willing to make the most of these brief four years. If you would like any information on MCO, the AOSA or any other student organization please feel free to e-mail me. tjhubbar@umich.edu |
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I grew up in Northern Ontario and attended Lake Superior State University in Sault Ste Marie, MI for my undergraduate education. I chose the Michigan College of Optometry for the proximity to home, the new facility and also the quality of the curriculum available. As a Canadian student I felt it was important to learn in a facility that is state of the art and in an area where the doctors that are teaching me prescribe medications and conduct procedures on a daily basis that aren't in the scope of a Canadian Optometrist. I also chose MCO since they promote private practice Optometry and provide us with valuable business education, networking opportunities as well as the necessary disease and procedure courses. Feel free to contact me with any questions at katiesconnolly@gmail.com |
Alana Herron
Paul Kimbro 
Katie Schleef 
Joshua Davidson 
Charmi Shiyarwala 
Christina Becker
Thomas Hubbard
Katie Connolly