Serendipity, followed by hard work

While working at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, Erika approached her human resources representative to talk about moving from full - to part-time so she could pursue a vocational degree. The HR person, who had just been working with the manager of Harvard Vanguard’s optical shops who was also president of the Optician’s Association of Massachusetts (OAM), asked Erika if she had ever considered becoming an optician. Erika learned that the field that faces a shortage of trained professionals and offers opportunities that range from being a practitioner in a medical, retail or boutique setting, to moving into management. 

Erika enrolled in BFIT’s affordable two-year Opticianry program, where she found both opportunity and challenge. “The work was very tough at first, particularly if you aren’t familiar with the subject,” Erika said.  “The anatomy was fine, but the optical math, which includes a lot of geometry, was difficult.”  

Erika worked throughout her time at BFIT, in addition to raising her son.  During her first year, she was still at Erika was still at Harvard Vanguard. By her second year, she was working in her new profession, which meant working both during the week and on weekends. “Every day that I wasn’t in school, I was at work,” Erika recalls. 

Serving students whose lives don’t fit the typical college student stereotype is part of what makes the Institute unique.  Faculty helped her overcome her initial academic challenges and balance the many demands she faced outside school.  “I really loved the support I received at BFIT,” she says. 

Building on a strong foundation

During school, Erika’s opticianry work was at the retail level.  While she enjoyed it, she found herself drawn to a medical environment.  Help making the transition came from Professor Blair Wong, who chairs BFIT’s Opticianry program and doubles as executive director of OAM.  As Erika was preparing to graduate, Wong recommended Erika for her current job as a apprentice optician for Massachusetts Eye and Ear Institute.  

Her new job is going well and her son has recovered from his earlier health problems, but the drive for more education remains.  “I’m starting to think about going back to school,” Erika says.  “I’d like to earn my bachelors degree.”  And that may be just the beginning.