As you step into your careers as practicing optometrists, remember Dr. Eng’s wishes for your past, present, and future:

The Past – “I can attest, optometry school is not easy. Boards are not easy. Building your clinical skills, studying, doing volunteer work, potentially working, while trying to enjoy all Chicago has to offer is not easy. But you did it! And I’m here to tell you, ‘honor that struggle.’ It has helped you to get to this point, and it will help you get to the next level, so honor your struggle.”

The Present – “This is also the time to consider adopting a role model mindset. Regardless of what others are observing -– and I would venture to say 'yes, they are observing you' -- I would give that this will help mold your disposition. Think about it, when you’re a role model, you’re trying to make a difference, make an impact, help others, inspire. Quite frankly, when you’re a role model, you’re not a jerk. You’re thoughtful, you’re generous, respectful and kind. And to me, these are characteristics I would love for people to describe me.”

The Future – “While we would all like the eyes of our patients to be within the normal limits: clear and quiet, I hope you live your lives a little outside the normal that’s colorful and loud. I hope you realize what is important and what is not. I hope you learn to care less of what other people think about you and more of what you think of yourself. I hope you realize how far you’ve come and you remember when you got the things you wanted when they seemed so far away. I hope you smile and smile big, because you’re truly proud of yourself and you are the person you have worked so hard to become.”