Opto-Camp Counselor Testimonials

Alana Brown
Class of 2012
June and July 2009 Counselor

Being a 2009 Opto-Camp counselor brought back wonderful memories when I attended Opto-Camp in 2007. It was a joy to give back to the program that encouraged me to follow the optometry path that led me to Berkeley. I really enjoyed being able to talk to all the campers and give out my hopefully valuable optometry student advice.

It's awesome to be in such a fun, relaxed environment and to come away with good friends and good information about the profession. I had a blast!

Yari Diez
Class of 2012
July 2009 Counselor

As an Opto-Camper I had the opportunity to further my knowledge about a career in Optometry, and learn more about the application process, including financial aid, Since they provided on-campus housing, I got a sample of student life at UC Berkeley. We also received a complete eye exam as well as a meeting with the faculty and staff.

After attending Opto-Camp I felt confident about pursuing a career in Optometry. My experience as an opto-camper was so helpful that I decided to become a counselor. As a counselor, I was able to give back some of the help I received as a camper and hopefully helped students decide if Optometry is for them.

Jennifer Doan
Class of 2012
June and July 2009 Counselor

As a fellow Opto-Camp alum, Opto-Camp has always held a special place in my heart! I applied to Opto-Camp in hopes of learning more about Optometry and for a chance to explore Berkeley’s Optometry program first-hand. By the end of the three days, I got so much more than what I had originally expected. Opto-Camp offered me the opportunity to connect and relate to other pre-optometry and pre-health students. From the first day, I felt a sense of community. The prospect of surrounding myself with such wonderful and encouraging people made me very excited about applying to Optometry school. I came out of Opto-Camp feeling like a stronger applicant with the support of a bigger network of people.

With such an awesome experience, I wanted to give back to the program that had offered me so much. I became an Opto-Camp counselor to facilitate bonding opportunities and to hopefully be a great resource for those interested in Optometry. I feel very grateful to be a part of our campers' experience, and hope that the program continues to grow!

Gary Ho
Class of 2012
June 2009 Counselor

Opto-Camp was a great experience for me. Having never attended Opto-Camp myself, volunteering as a counselor was my first experience. I was warmly greeted with the friendly and excited faces of new campers.

The campers were very inquisitive and eager to find out more about the school and the profession. As usual, our all-star staff and faculty gave their invaluable lectures about admissions, student life, the school, and optometry as a career. I had a great time and I even got to drive a van with a giant bear decal on it!

Raeann Murray
Class of 2012
July 2009 Counselor

My time as an Opto-Camp counselor was my first Opto-Camp experience. After participating in this capacity, I wish I had applied to Opto-Camp while I was an undergraduate. It would have been very helpful for me to have already gotten a first-hand idea about Berkeley Optometry and its students before I applied to optometry school. Opto-Camp allows prospective students to be immersed in our Berkeley Optometry community for three days. It is a very fun way to get to know the program here and the field in general.

At Opto-Camp, campers get to learn about our program from the Admissions and Student Affairs Office, faculty, and current students. Having resourceful people available to talk to and interact with is an excellent way to know the Optometry profession and Berkeley Optometry. Getting to stay in a residence hall, and hang out in and around the Optometry school, created a strong relationship between the counselors and campers. I loved letting the campers pick my brain about why I chose optometry and Berkeley, how I prepared for my interviews, and many other opto-questions.

Judy Rivera
Class of 2012
June 2009 Counselor

Opto-Camp was an amazing experience that gave me the opportunity to share my story and my passion for optometry. After spending three days with campers, I felt that they walked away with a better idea of what the profession of optometry is about.

The warm and comfortable environment that the counselors set made it easier for them to ask questions any time throughout Opto-Camp. My favorite part of Opto-Camp was getting to know the campers and having fun wherever we went.

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Admissions and Student Affairs Office (ASAO)
School of Optometry
Berkeley, CA 94720-2020
Tel: (510) 642-9537
Fax: (510) 643-7111