SFHC Welcomes its 26th Cohort of Scholars
On August 16, 2024, University President Dr. Saúl Jiménez-Sandoval, Provost Dr. Xuanning Fu, and SFHC Director Dr. Saeed Attar welcomed a new cohort of 50 President’s Honors Scholars to Fresno State and the Smittcamp Family Honors College. This is the 26th cohort admitted to the Honors College.
Fresno State News: SMITTCAMP FAMILY HONORS COLLEGE WELCOMES ITS 26TH CLASS OF SCHOLARS
Get to Know the 26th Cohort of Scholars
Ray Alfaro attended Firebaugh High School in Firebaugh, CA. Ray loves being creative, especially when it comes to social media! As a junior, he created his own online second-hand clothing store, “Loser’s Closet,” to create a more inclusive environment for his hometown. He was also heavily involved in ASB, FFA, CSF, and sports like wrestling, tennis, and track. Ray is majoring in Business Administration - Computer Information Systems with the goal of becoming a creative product manager at one of the five FAANG companies (Facebook, Amazon, Apple, Netflix, and Google). He enjoys vlogging, thrifting, and drinking iced coffee. Catch him vlogging and never editing the video until three weeks later!
Taleen Alkhayyat graduated from Madera High School in Madera, CA. During her high school years, she was involved in soccer, swim, and multiple community service clubs such as Interact, CSF, Block M, Link Crew, and Blue Crew. Taleen has grown her leadership skills through her ASB class at Madera High and through helping to initiate the Madera Teens Art Council. Outside of school, she likes to travel, go to the beach, work out, grab coffee/eat out, and enjoy all things outdoors. At Fresno State, Taleen will be majoring in biology on the pre-dental track to pursue a career in orthodontics in hopes of alleviating the financial burden of dental health for individuals with special needs.
Johnathan Andrade-Antonio is from Riverdale High School in Riverdale, CA. He was involved in Leo’s Club, Lions Clubs International, Science Olympiad, Student Council, Link Crew, and Cancer Awareness. Johnathan has participated in Science Olympiad and placed third in a chemical lab event and fourth in a building event. He enjoys playing video games, listening to music, and watching horror movies in his spare time. Johnathan is interested in chemistry and physics, and starting this fall, he will major in physics with a minor in mathematics.
Jaskaran Singh Badesha is a graduate of Sanger High School in Sanger, CA. He is majoring in Public Health because he is passionate about making a difference and working with others. Jaskaran aspires to have a career that allows him to impact community well-being positively and help others. Outside of academics, he volunteered as an assistant coach for martial arts teaching younger kids the art of Gatka, which he also practices himself. Jaskaran enjoys spending time with his family and being outdoors, where he finds peace and inspiration.
Lavina Botros, a graduate of Clovis North High School, has a passion for biology. After volunteering throughout her high school years at the Clovis Community Hospital, she knew that the path of helping others was right for her. She will be majoring in biology with aspirations to pursue a career in orthodontics following dental school. Lavina is not only committed to her studies but also actively engaged in her community, contributing her time to her church and the Unheard Cries Club. In her free time, she enjoys indulging in her favorite hobbies of reading books, attending Zumba classes, and capturing pretty sunset moments. With a love for exploration, Lavina has traveled extensively, immersing herself in diverse cultures across destinations such as Thailand, Turkey, Dubai, Cyprus, and beyond.
Bryson Brandon was born and raised in Kingsburg, CA and graduated from Kingsburg High. He will be majoring in early childhood education and plans on obtaining both his multi-subject credential and special education credential in hopes of becoming a special education teacher. Bryson’s biggest extracurricular activity is gymnastics! He has participated in competitive men’s gymnastics for 12 years. Recently, he competed in finals for the junior olympic nationals, placing 39th in All Around and 20th on High Bar! Bryson is excited to continue his future at Fresno State and see what opportunities arise!
Ben Bylsma is a graduate from Turlock Christian High School in Turlock, CA. During his time in high school, Ben was highly involved in FFA and served as his school’s Chapter President and sectional president, in addition to earning his CA FFA State Degree and competing in various FFA competitions. He was also active in athletics and was captain for the varsity basketball team. In his free time, Ben enjoys playing sports, working out, and being outdoors. He plans on majoring in agricultural business in the hopes of one day pursuing a career within the agricultural industry.
Isabelle Caquias was born and raised in Reedley, CA and graduated in the Class of 2024 from Reedley Middle College High School. She also graduated from Reedley College with her A.S. in Agricultural Business. In high school, Isabelle was heavily involved in FFA, where she showed three market goats and became a three time state champion in multiple Career Development Competitions including forestry, natural resources, and veterinary science. In her free time, she loves to crochet, bake, and attend church with her family. Isabelle has an affinity toward science and plans to major in chemistry (and physics in the future) with hopes of becoming a forensic scientist who works with law enforcement to investigate crime scenes.
Christian RJ Castillo is a graduate from Clovis East High School in Clovis, CA. He is planning to major in electrical engineering and has an avid passion for math. Despite taking engineering, he seeks to pursue a career in medicine and attend medical school one day. Outside of school, Christian is an active tennis player who competed in varsity for all four years of high school and has recently picked up rock climbing. He is also a member of the arts, playing both the violin and piano throughout his childhood. Christian prefers orange juice over apple juice.
Leanne Chavez attended Clovis East High School in Clovis, CA. She will be majoring in Pre-Veterinary Science and plans to pursue a career in the veterinary field. Leanne was highly involved in Clovis FFA, where she showed market goats at the Big Fresno Fair for five years, held farmers markets at her school, and competed on multiple career development teams. She is currently studying with her Veterinary Science team to prepare for the upcoming National competition in Indiana! Leanne loves listening to music, dancing, going to the movies, and hanging out with her friends.
Mya Correa is from Golden West High School in Visalia, CA. She plans on majoring in business administration with an emphasis in international business. She might also pursue a minor in advertising/public relations. Mya dreams of traveling the world and working in foreign countries by learning to incorporate entertainment, artificial intelligence, and culture into media. She is a massive music enthusiast, having a special interest in K-Pop. Not only that—she adores animals and she has three cats of her own!
Kamdyn Dotson is a Buchanan High School graduate from Clovis, CA. Outside of school, she enjoys watching baseball, attending church, and volunteering at elementary schools. At Fresno State, Kamdyn plans on getting a degree in liberal studies and eventually becoming a kindergarten teacher.
Victoria Edwards is an incoming freshman from Clovis High School. She is majoring in business administration with a focus on finance. Outside the classroom, Victoria loves to serve her community and school. She was involved with student council in high school and often volunteered in the community. Victoria plans on perusing a career in finance as an investment banker.
Luis Alonso Figueroa Hernández is a graduate of Kerman High School. Luis plans on majoring in biology with the goal of attending medical school and becoming a physician. In high school, Luis played basketball and tennis and participated in multiple clubs such as Spanish Club and Sikh Student Association. His favorite meals to eat are baleadas and samosa chaat.
Brendan Fregoso is a graduate of Hallmark Academy in Sanger, CA. He is a classically trained musician who plays not one but ten instruments! He started with the piano at age eight and began learning more instruments over the years. He is also a self-taught composer in music composition, which will be his major. Brendan is not only devoted to music: he excels in mathematics, loves coffee, and enjoys the company of his friends. In the future, Brendan hopes to become an accountant, a composer for film, and an influential composer in American classical music.
Delyssa Garcia is a Fowler High School graduate from Fowler, CA. She appreciates a good book and is always up for a feel-good movie. At Fowler, she participated in the young writers club, AVID club, and leadership in addition to competing on the varsity volleyball and softball teams. One of her most memorable achievements was in junior year when her softball team won the D3 Valley Championship! Now, as an incoming Bulldog, she will pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Biology to further her dream of becoming a pediatrician. She feels blessed to be a part of the Smittcamp Family Honors Program and is extremely excited to see what her future holds!
Genesis Garcia attended Parlier High School in Parlier, CA. During high school, she was involved in various clubs like Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps, Leo Club, and Child Welfare and Attendance. She is grateful to have been a manager for Parlier High School’s first men’s volleyball team. Outside of school, Genesis likes to spend time with her family: playing soccer, trying new foods, and traveling. At Fresno State, she will be majoring in biology to pursue her career in the dental field! Genesis is excited for this new chapter with the SFHC!
Jonathan Gerena is a graduate of Clovis North High School in Fresno, CA. He is very excited to attend Fresno State, where he plans on getting a degree in biology to pursue his M.D. and eventually become a physician. Outside of school, his hobbies include singing, playing guitar, cooking, volunteering, and hanging out with friends.
Adilene Gomez is a freshman scholar from Orange Cove High School. As she grew and connected with the campus community, she strengthened her academics and involvement by taking on the leadership roles of Associated Student Body Secretary and Student Board Representative for Kings Canyon Unified School District. Outside of the classroom, Adilene enjoys reading, baking, and spending time with those around her. As she continues her education at Fresno State, she is set on majoring in nursing with the dream to one day become a Registered Nurse.
Giselle Gomez is a graduate of Justin Garza High School in Fresno, CA. She is a part of her school’s first graduating class! At Fresno State, Giselle plans to major in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance. She hopes to start her own local restaurant to share her cultural food with the community. Throughout high school, Giselle was treasurer for National Honors Society, Mock Trial, and her school’s senior class. She was also ASB Culture and Club Commissioner and CSF Secretary. Under these programs, she completed over 400 hours of community service! She also received multiple medals during her time in Mock Trial, track, and National History Day. Outside of school, Giselle dedicated most of her time to her school’s folklorico program. She also enjoys playing video games, hanging out with friends, and cooking in her free time.
Sophie Heu is a freshman scholar and recent graduate from Clovis High School. In her junior year of high school, Sophie established the Future of Medicine Club, where she organized Clovis High’s first ever health care career fair. Her objective was to provide opportunities for her peers to learn more about the variety of jobs in the healthcare industry while encouraging historically marginalized demographics to explore their options. This fall, she will be majoring in biology and aspires to enter medicine after graduating from Fresno State. Outside of the classroom, Sophie enjoys drawing, writing, reading, and listening to music.
Alyiah Imperial attended Sierra Pacific High School in Hanford, CA. Throughout high school, she was heavily involved in extracurriculars around campus such as ASB, Future Medical Professional Club, and CSF. She also played Varsity volleyball and learned not only perseverance, but how to push herself and others. Outside of school, Alyiah loves serving her community through local events and through her church. She is outgoing and loves to spend time with family and friends. Her favorite pastimes are baking, watching the sunset, hanging out at the beach, and going shopping. Starting this fall, Alyiah will be majoring in nursing with hopes to become a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner. She is excited for this new journey awaiting her and can’t wait to meet everyone in the SFHC family!
Harmanpreet Kaur is a Clovis North High School graduate from Fresno, CA. She loves photography, traveling, and watching movies (any La La Land fans?). Outside of the classroom, Harmanpreet volunteered at different hospitals and spent time in various departments. She also spent time volunteering at the local library, the Salvation Army, and a hospice facility. She looks forward to spending more time volunteering and participating in different kinds of research during her time at Fresno State. This fall, she will be majoring in psychology with the goal to attend medical school and become a physician.
Yamin Kiwan is a University High School graduate from Fresno, CA. At UHS, he was a peer mentor and class officer during his senior year. Yamin loves to travel—especially to the Middle East, where lots of his family live. Outside of school, Yamin enjoys playing the violin and volunteering at his local hospital. He has participated in the Science Olympiad Competition and Math Field Day at Fresno State, placing in both events. At Fresno State, Yamin hopes to earn a degree in biology and pursue a career in the field of sports medicine.
Kelsey Lieng is a graduate of Buchanan High School from Clovis, CA. Kelsey intends to study Liberal Studies at Fresno State to one day teach elementary school. She developed a passion for teaching and working with kids after accepting an internship at Tarpey Elementary School teaching kindergarten students. She has also helped out in a second-grade class at Garfield Elementary School. Outside of school, Kelsey likes to paint, play games with friends, solve puzzles, and watch tv.
Ella Lopez is a Clovis High School graduate from Clovis, CA. Ella was a busy student, dedicating much of her time outside the classroom to her school’s soccer and volleyball teams, leadership program, and serving as Vice President of Clovis High’s National Honors Society chapter. Ella also served on both the Principal's Advisory on Student Affairs Committee and the Superintendent’s Student Intercultural Diversity and Advisory Committee. Through her pursuits, she has come to love meeting new people and finding opportunities to serve. She will apply her love of serving others in the field of medical social work by pursuing a degree in Social Work.
Luis Alberto Macias, a graduate of McLane High School in Fresno, CA, held notable leadership roles such as president of FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America) and CTE ambassador during his tenure. Additionally, he served as a dual immersion representative, social media manager for Club COCO (a hispanic heritage club), and a journalist. Luis's dedication extended to developing internships and coordinating programs for after-school vendors. With plans to major in psychology and communications, Luis aims to return to Fresno Unified as a school psychologist and academic counselor, aspiring to advance into administration. He has contributed over 400 hours of volunteer service to Fresno Unified, exemplifying his commitment to education. Notably, Luis represented California at the Educators Rising National Competition in lesson planning and delivery in Orlando, FL, showcasing his expertise and leadership in education.
Luz Angelica Medina is a Corcoran High School graduate from Corcoran, CA. She was valedictorian of her graduating class and a CSF Life Member with Highest Honor. She was honored to deliver the theme speech at her high school graduation ceremony. Angelica is outgoing, adventurous, loves nature, and enjoys spending time with the people she loves! She is looking forward to majoring in criminology in the hope of becoming a criminal lawyer. She plans to pursue law school and obtain her J.D. degree. She is excited to be a part of the SFHC family!
Kaitlyn Mundello attended Pitman High School in Turlock, CA and completed a few dual enrollment classes at Modesto Junior College. She is majoring in pre-health to pursue her dream of becoming a Sports Physical Therapist. Kaitlyn has been playing soccer for about 14 years! She also enjoys going to the beach, going on hikes, cooking, watching movies, and going to the gym.
Luciano Noguera is an incoming freshman from Redwood High School in Visalia, CA. Throughout high school, he was involved in theater, choral programs, Future Business Leaders of America, and band. He was awarded the Best Male Performance for musicals in Visalia High School’s Performing Arts Showcase. He also served as the saxophone section leader for the marching band. Outside of school, Luciano has pursued vocal training for classical opera since he was nine. He is known for being funny and for his collared shirts and sweaters. In the fall, he plans to major in Chemistry and hopes to attend medical school to pursue a career as a radiologist.
Sam Pakingan graduated from Clovis East High School in Clovis, CA. During her time at Clovis East, she was a member of Youth Court, Book Club, and CSF. Sam has also won Best in Show for the Fresno Fair’s Manipulated/Altered category for Photography. Outside of school, she has a long reading list to get to. She enjoys drawing random doodles, playing games, listening to music, and getting sweet treats. Sam is planning to major in Pre-Health with an intent to have a career in the healthcare field.
Kernpal Singh Parmar graduated from Clovis East High School and will be majoring in civil engineering with a minor in business. Following undergrad, he plans to obtain his masters in both civil engineering and business administration. His goal is to become a general contractor and start his own business. Singh helps teach Punjabi (his native language) to young students at his local Gurdwara (Sikh temple). Singh likes learning about history in his free time, but he has a special pull towards learning about spirituality and its impact on a person’s physical and mental wellbeing. Additionally, Singh likes trying new thrilling experiences—roller coasters and horror movies are always engraved on that list.
Andrea Parra-Lopez is a first-generation student and a recent valedictorian graduate from Dinuba High School. She is a four-year volleyball athlete and a dynamic student council voice, representing her peers at the district level through ASB. Her community spirit shines through her roles as a camp counselor, a team manager, and through participation in career days. As Dinuba's reigning 2024 Cinco de Mayo Queen, she proudly honors her immigrant parents and her Mexican heritage, which fuels her dream of advocating for immigrants as an attorney. At Fresno State, Andrea's set to major in History and minor in Political Science.
Sopanha Peo is a graduate of University High School at Fresno State. Sopanha is majoring in chemistry and is also planning to major in music. In her free time, she enjoys reading mystery-thriller novels, watching crime documentaries, and researching paleontology. Sopanha also loves playing the violin, having been a part of the Fresno-Madera County Music Educators Association Honor Orchestra for seven years. She enjoys drawing and building, and she uses her crafty side to help serve her community by making clothes and blankets to donate. Sopanha’s goal is to attend medical school and pursue a career as a pediatric cardiologist.
Mustafa Ramadan, a recent graduate from Clovis North High School in Clovis, CA, joins the Smittcamp Family Honors College as a Civil Engineering major. He plans to focus primarily on Geotechnical Engineering. Mustafa was a solar project engineering intern at Ultimate Solar Pro Inc., as well as a research intern at Al-Azhar University in Cairo during his time in Egypt last summer. Mustafa is a chef... if you count making pizza part time at Kam’s Pizza as a culinary art. In his free time, Mustafa enjoys playing soccer, watching UFC, and exploring new places through traveling.
Maxine Ramirez is a Clovis North High School graduate from Clovis, CA. She welcomes anyone to call her ""Max"" and loves to meet new people. Besides keeping her nose in a book, Max usually spends her free time hanging out with friends, babysitting, and watching movies/shows with her family. During her high school career, Max was the social media manager of multiple clubs at her home school, played Varsity Girls Badminton, and enjoyed volunteering. In the fall, Max will be majoring in biology following the pre-med route. Ultimately, she hopes to become a pediatric anesthesiologist to help children in need and give back to underserved communities. She discovered this goal through her extensive encounters with children in need and volunteering at nursing facilities. Maxine feels especially grateful and excited to have been chosen to join the SFHC family, and can't wait to see what opportunities will come her way as a new Smitty!
Sophia Riser is a University High School graduate from Fresno, CA. She plans to major in biology at Fresno State with hopes to attend medical school, but she is also interested in pursuing courses (and possibly minors) in psychology and classics. In high school, Sophia was an active member of ASB, Interact Club, Yearbook, and several music ensembles. In her spare time, she loves to play the piano, travel, and find new adventures with friends and family. Outside of school, you can also find her spending time at Valley Children's Hospital, where she volunteers as a Patient Pal and NICU Cuddler.
Jacqueline Rocha is a freshman scholar from Fowler High School in Fowler, CA. Throughout high school, she competed on Fowler High’s varsity soccer and golf teams while holding office as Associated Student Body Secretary her senior year. For seven years, Jacqueline has competed in the Science Fair with a project focused on the methanogenic process of landfills. She has competed at both the State and International levels and has had the opportunity to present at various community events, sharing her experience through the years. After seven years in the Science Fair, Jacqueline gained a strong passion for STEM education. She will be majoring in nursing at Fresno State in hopes of later working as a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist.
Angela Rosa is from the small town of Firebaugh, CA, and graduated top of her class at Firebaugh High School. She plans to major in biology and enroll as a pre-med student to work as a dermatologist. Angela actively participated in track & field, wrestling, and a division-winning tennis team throughout high school. She also excelled in endeavors such as Academic Decathlon and served as an ASB officer. In her free time, Angela enjoys hobbies ranging from painting, drawing, crocheting, and reading to weightlifting and going on runs.
Lukas Rosas is a freshman scholar from Ernest Righetti High School in Santa Maria, CA. At Righetti, he was the Co-President of his school's Astra club, which is a community service club that prioritizes promoting literacy. He was also a member of the school's Beach Cleanup Club, Key Club, and the Early Academic Outreach Program. Additionally, he played football, competed in track and field, and was a key leader in his football team's yearly youth skills camp. Outside of school, he was an ENGin instructor teaching English to an Ukrainian student, a volunteer at the Interfaith Food Center, and a leader at his local YMCA Summer Camp. Lukas likes to spend his free time riding his e-bike, listening to music, playing video games, and catching up/predicting the next sports story to come out. At Fresno State, he plans on obtaining a degree in Business Administration - Sports Marketing Option with the hope of pursuing a career in the sports industry, aiming to be an executive for a professional sports organization.
Emily Sahakian graduated from Buchanan High School in Clovis, CA. She will be majoring in pre-health to pursue a degree in nursing. During her time at Buchanan, she was a member of the Chamber Orchestra, a CSF Lifetime member, and served as the President of the Armenian Culture Club. She also attended the Center for Advanced Research and Technology for their biotechnology lab. Outside of school, Emily is a regular volunteer at Clovis Community Hospital and a member of the Holy Trinity Armenian Apostolic Church Youth Group. She also leads the Charlie Keyan Armenian Community School Junior Alumni Association, which she founded during her freshman year of high school. In her free time, Emily enjoys reading, snow skiing during the winter and going to the beach in the summer.
Anessa Sarieddine attended Clovis North High School in Fresno, CA. Anessa is very passionate about the field of law. She dedicated numerous hours to her school’s mock trial team, winning the county competition this past year. Outside of school, Anessa finds joy in going to the gym, learning about astrology, and singing. At Fresno State, Anessa plans on getting a degree in business and pursuing a career in law.
Harjap Singh graduated from Clovis East High School as a valedictorian. He received the California Scholarship Federation lifetime membership award and the seal of bi-literacy award. During his time at Clovis East, he had the opportunity to be the vice president of Punjabi club. Other than school co-curricular activities, he does seva (selfless service) at his local Sikh temple and is always ready to help someone out with a huge smile on his face. Harjap plans to major in mathematics for teaching to give back to the community. He has a bright future ahead of him.
Manroop Singh is a proud Sanger High School alumnus. He has shown his dedication to his school as a dedicated AP student, ASB officer, club member, and Certified Nursing Assistant student. In addition to his involvement in school activities, Manroop is also highly involved in volunteering for the youth of his community at the local Sikh Gurdwara. Manroop is a very social person who always looks to make conversation in any situation. This fall, he will be majoring in Political Science. He looks forward to furthering his education; making his community, friends, and family proud; and making new friends at Fresno State!
Areeba Syed graduated from Clovis North High School and is from Fresno, CA. During high school, she shadowed physicians at Valley Children's Hospital and interned for a congressman in the House of Representatives. Areeba also volunteered with organizations such as My Deen Sunday School and was a member of the Fresno Muslim Community Association (MCA) Action Council. In addition, she competed on her school’s varsity Mock Trial and Science Olympiad teams, competing at the state level. Aside from academics, Areeba loves capturing the perfect Instagram photos, baking (especially if it’s chocolate), and laughing at any joke (seriously, any joke). She is majoring in biology and seeks to attend medical school in the future.
Austin Tathong is an alumnus of Clovis West High School in Fresno, CA. During his time at Clovis West, he served as the president of the Southeast Asian Club, tech editor for Key Club, and technician for the robotics team, while also being an active member of several honor societies. He earned multiple awards with the school's Varsity Math Team. In his free time, Austin enjoys community service, playing tennis, spending time with friends, watching TV, and eating food. His passion for technology began early, nurtured by playing games on the family computer and programming with his dad. This fall he will be majoring in computer science, aspiring to become a front-end developer.
Palak Tohan attended Selma High School in Selma, CA, where she was the Editor-in-Chief of her school newspaper, The Clarion, and the President of Bear Prints, a student-led clothing entrepreneurship class. As a junior, she landed an internship with UCSF Fresno, working alongside her mentor to evaluate how allergy medications impact antibody infusion reactions in patients receiving chemotherapy. Outside of school, Palak enjoys nature and is always ready for an adrenaline-filled adventure. At Fresno State, she is majoring in Biology with the intent to attend medical school to obtain her M.D. degree.
Kevin Vang is an incoming freshman from Sunnyside High School in Fresno, CA. He has been involved in numerous extracurricular activities such as California Scholarship Federation, Student Government, and Career Technical Education programs like Teacher Academy and Video Production Academy. Outside of school, Kevin enjoys taking videos and pictures with friends and exploring new music. He plans on majoring in film and aims to become a cinematographer and director in hopes of directing his own movie one day.
Brianna Voon attended University High School in Fresno, CA. She loves being out in nature, trying new foods, and playing volleyball and badminton recreationally. During high school, she served as the president of her class as well as UHS's Interact Club. Brianna is an active volunteer with Tzu Chi, dedicating her time towards giving back to the community through events ranging from winter distributions to vision clinics. In addition, she loves cooking and baking, which aligns with her plans to major in food science and potentially nutritional science as well!
Julia Yang is a Clovis North High School graduate from Fresno, CA. In school, Julia was an active member of Key Club and held a division leadership position as the Technology Chair. She was also on her school’s Varsity Badminton Team throughout her sophomore and junior years. Outside of school, Julia volunteered her time in a rehabilitation center, accompanying patients suffering from brain and spinal cord injuries. In her free time, Julia loves shopping, hanging out with her friends, and painting. She plans on majoring in Biology in hopes of pursuing her career as an optometrist.