Have you ever asked yourself, “How should I spend my four years? Stuffed in a book? Partying ‘till dawn? Being extremely active?” These are my 10 reasons to get involved in school, and to really embrace the experience.
1. Networking
- It’s not about what you know, but about who you know. If you have never taken the time to go to events, pass out your business card, or network with future colleagues, finding a job or your niche may be much more challenging than if you had put yourself out there while in school. You will be extremely surprised how a simple “thank-you” card to a previous speaker can make a difference. I guarantee that they’ll remember your name at the end of the day.
2. Sense of Purpose
- What is our purpose? We must find it. For some, it is extremely obvious, for others not so much. By being active you start to find that sense of purpose, what really drives you. Organizations, special interest groups, and meetings can help you to define your true purpose in our field.
3. Serving Others 
- Our main mission in our field should not be money, but rather service. It is critical to use our honed scope of specialized skills to better the community and those in need. Getting involved in mission trips and specialty programs will leave you feeling extremely exhausted, yet completely gratified. This feeling is something like nothing you have experienced while in school. Hint: Don’t drink the water!
4. Supporting Fellow Classmates
- We must support our fellow classmate’s efforts of being involved! They are donating their time, talent, and treasure to better themselves and the lives of others. We must show our appreciation to these students by becoming active in their clubs, donating goods, or just being present at their poster presentations.
5. Expanding Your Scope of Knowledge
- To be good doctors, we must continually be on our game to make our repertoire of information greater. If we stop learning the “latest and greatest,” we become stagnant. Use this time to start practicing your skills of reading articles, websites, and journals, and gain the ability to apply this new information to your daily life in clinic.
6. Life-Long Friends and Colleagues
- We are going to see these same set of people for 3+ years, might as well make it count, right? Your classmates, aka future colleagues, are your greatest allies and tools for the future. We should make meaningful relationships with these people. You never know when a patient moves and needs a new optometrist in that area. Plus, these people know us better than most, since we all endured the same struggle together.
7. Forming Yourself into a Leader
- Some of you were born leaders – others must grow to become great. But don’t forget that there is a leader in ALL of us. This is the time to learn how to delegate responsibility, lead others, and take constructive criticism. The latter is the hardest part of being a leader – in my opinion.
8. Learning how to Better Your Public Speaking
- Who actually likes to talk in front of people? If you are one of them, stop reading. If you are like the vast majority of us – you chose the right place to be. It is very important for us to share our knowledge with others. So learning to speak, presenting case reports, and participating in poster sessions are key. We must keep our field growing!
9. Putting Yourself on the Map
- Grades are important, but when it comes time to dive into the world of interviews and meet-and-greets, if you look the same as a “one-fish-two fish” you need to be different! Becoming involved sets you apart from the rest, and gives you step-up on your competition.
10. Living a Healthier Lifestyle 
- Let’s face it – our lives are stressful. There is barely enough time to sleep, yet alone be active in other extracurricular activities. We have to make time. Participating in social events, weekly workouts, and contributing to organizations will help to keep us sane!
I hope this has motivated you to get involved! It is never too late. And if you don’t know which organization is right for you, try a few. You will find your niche in no time. Attending national meetings like the AAO and AOA are extremely helpful, too. You’ll never know if you don’t try. Good luck and happy studies!
– Katherine Dronka
Interamerican University of Puerto Rico
