My name is Galia Hatamzadeh. I am Armenian, however I was born in Germany and raised in Iran. I am a first-generation college student, and currently a second-year optometry student at Western University of Health Sciences. I held the vice president position of my class since 2021. I have always had a passion for optometry, and I hope to use my knowledge for the greater good.
Why did you choose WUCO?
I chose WUCO because of its long-standing history of preparing successful optometrists, due to their great emphasis on interprofessionalism. Interprofessionalism is a key factor in this industry because you must interact with other professionals of multiple medical fields to properly diagnose and treat your patients.
What is your fondest memory of WUCO professionally and/or personally?
My fondest memory of WUCO was when I received my acceptance email and got the chance to share that exciting news with my family. Knowing that I got accepted into my dream school was the biggest step in my journey toward becoming a future optometrist.
What do you love about WesternU College of Optometry?
WUCO has a one-of-a-kind support system for all of its students. They supply me with a great deal of guidance and supervision, and it feels as if it is my second home.
Why did you choose the profession of optometry?
Systematically, vision is connected to so many diseases, and it is fascinating and intriguing to see how vision can deteriorate if patients are not in good health, overall. I chose this field so I can actively improve people’s vision, which is one of the most crucial aspects of living.
What are your passions outside optometry?
One of my passions is pursuing my physical and mental health through spending time in nature and hiking. I find that these are the times that I can best reflect on my challenges, while brainstorming solutions.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
My proudest accomplishment is having the motivation and drive to be the first person in my family to pursue a higher education, especially in the medical field.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received professionally?
Never compare yourself or your professional progress with anyone else. The only person you should be in competition with should be your old self, striving to be a better new self.
What is your favorite quote?
“When I planted my pain in the field of patience it bore fruit of happiness.” -Khalil Gibran
What have you done recently to leave your mark on the world around you? An act of kindness? Large or small, please share?
I wanted to give back to the community, and I found the best way to do so would be to prepare home cooked meals to give to the less fortunate. It may have only taken up a small part of my day, but I know that the impact of my actions meant the world to the people who got home cooked meals who may not have necessarily had one recently.
Where do you see yourself in five years?
In five years, I will have finished optometry school with 2 years of experience under my belt as an optometrist. I see myself waking up every morning to open the doors to my own private practice where I will begreeting my patients, ready to serve them with all their vision-based needs.
