Russell Fritz Sr.
Scholarship Recipients
Class of 2025
In my first semester, I was so shocked at how complicated our eyes are but, this made me fall even more in love with my career path.
I truly put my heart into my school work to make my younger self proud alongside the desire I have to learn as much as I can to help those who need the confidence that sight gives.
After graduating and receiving my Associates Degree in Opticianry and achieving my licensure I plan to then further my education in the Opticianry field and pursue my career as an Optometrist, while receiving experience in the optical field as a licensed optician.
My passion has become glasses and with that helping people. The feeling of fixing a pair of glasses for people who cannot see without them is something I will always feel great about.
My vision has been one of my biggest insecurities my whole life, my goal in life to prevent that feeling from any generation young or old that needs correction.
I am a child of two immigrant parents who raised me to pursue my dreams and to further my knowledge. As I continue on with the Opticianry program, I wish to exceed all of the expectations I've set for myself. I soon plan on passing my ABO and NCLE certification exams.
Class of 2024
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Bridget Salazar
I feel very fortunate to be able to go to school for something that I enjoy doing every single day. With the help of teachers and staff, I am looking forward to becoming a future Licensed Optician to better the lives of many people.
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Nicole Larson
My first day in the Ophthalmic Design & Dispensing Program at Connecticut State College in Middlesex was remarkable.
I remember thinking ”This is just where I belong.” I wished there was a way to savor the exhilaration. The euphoria was like kindling wood sparking new energy and bringing light to my hopes and dreams deep in the dark.
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Kloie Sexton
I have found that I love every part of my career. I knew I would enjoy being able to help people achieve their best vision possible, but I did not realize how much I would enjoy helping them choose their glasses.
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Dalaney Pennington
Being an optician was something that never crossed my mind until a college advisor recommended the program.
I am so thankful that I decided to give it a chance, because I will never look back! I have endless things to say about the program, but getting to learn from amazing opticians on how to serve those that need sight correction is definitely on the top of the list!
Your Vision
Our Support
Vision of Hope is proud to empower students on their opticianry journey
Nicole's advice about becoming an Optician as a Vision of Hope Scholarship Recipient for the 2023-2024 school year.
Bridget’s advice about becoming an Optician as a Vision of Hope Scholarship Recipient for the 2023-2024 school year.
Dalaney's advice about becoming an Optician as a Vision of Hope Scholarship Recipient for the 2023-2024 school year.
Kloie’s advice about becoming an Optician as a Vision of Hope Scholarship Recipient for the 2023-2024 school year.
Class of 2023
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For me, knowledge is power and having the experience of hands-on experience in our classes give me confidence with my opticianry career.
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Learning about each patient’s eye complications and helping them find a solution, whether it be spectacles, contact lenses, or low vision has really opened my eyes to many possibilities.
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I was inspired to pursue a career in Opticianry because I needed vision correction at nine years old and my myopia was progressing quickly. Putting on my first pair of glasses after needing them for so long was an awe-inspiring experience and I have never forgotten how powerful that moment was.
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I have enjoyed learning the history and theories of the slit lamp before putting them into practice. That knowledge has served me well professionally and personally.
2023 Tamia
Minerva Maldonado discussing the Scholarship Grant and how it has helped Timia Graham follow her passion in her Optical profession.