What made you realize you wanted to go into your chosen profession?
I always knew I wanted to be in healthcare growing up. I wasn’t specific about the route. My dad was an optician. I started shadowing optometrists, and thought I like this. People leave an eye exam knowing they’re going to see better. It’s optimistic and uplifting.
What made you decide to pursue a healthcare career?
I think all my life my friends called me the mom of the group. I’m always taking care of everybody and checking in and making sure everybody is well. It feels really rewarding, like fulfilling a purpose.
How has your education at Midwestern shaped your life?
The main takeaway from Midwestern University is not only the education, they’re well known for their programs, but the connections that were made. I have really close friends from this program, and from other programs where we integrated classes with other professions. Midwestern University is very intentional about One Health, and all the programs collaborating to help the patient. Now that I’m in practice, I look at the primary care doctor’s notes, and the doctor needs my notes back. This is what they’re talking about all disciplines helping the patient from different routes. Midwestern University did a good job instilling it in us. If you’re not communicating with other providers, you’re really doing the patient a disservice. For example, diabetes affects the eyes. The primary care physician and I can work together to see if changes are needed to adjust the medication. That aspect of communication between healthcare providers best serves the patient.
Could you share some background information such as where you grew up, if you had family members in the healthcare profession, or if you were the first in your family to attend a professional school?
I grew up in Atlanta, GA as the oldest of four siblings growing up in a very diverse community. My siblings and I were in sports, and we learned you can’t quit the sport and you give it your all. My mom and siblings finished undergraduate degrees, and I pioneered this route within my family. I didn’t have anyone tell me this is optometry school; this is how it’s going to be. I just kept the values and the hard work and dedication. Giving up wasn’t an option. Working harder is always the solution. In optometry school, you may not be the smartest person in the room, but you could be the hardest working.
What is your favorite memory from your time at Midwestern?
My fondest memories are when I ran for class president the first year. I put my heart into it, and I won at the beginning of optometry school. And having professors who really love what they’re teaching made an impression on how I practice. Daniel Deligio, O.D., FAAO, Assistant Director, CCO, taught three classes of ocular disease. Dr. Deligio is a large part of why I have a great interest in ocular disease. He taught it so well.
I remember when I first moved to Chicago, and we had our first fall. Most of my friends were not from the Midwest, and we walked around taking pictures of the beautiful campus in between classes. I also loved the cultural days. There are a lot of memories with my friends from optometry school. We bonded after 12 hours in the library studying, bringing fruit and chips, or taking a break at Chipotle. These are deep-rooted friendships, after I left the University, I’m still talking to these lifelong friends several times a day. Before finals, we also went to puppy therapy every single time.
In what ways have you given back to Midwestern University? How have you made a difference in your community?
I hope to give back to Midwestern University in the future. People have reached out to me on social media to ask about CCO at Midwestern University. I tell them to definitely apply. Some of the students who attend the University now were among those who reached out to me.
I am also sponsoring six pediatric eye exams, and I hope to do more. I will also be part of a career day as a mentorship program for a local junior high. My father and I are also starting a nonprofit organization.
What's keeping you busy now? Do you have any passion projects?
I’m getting more involved in the community, church, eye care, the nonprofit organization with my dad, and raising awareness of optometry in general through social media. Not as many people know about the optometrist’s job the way they do about a lawyer, dentist, or pharmacist. I’m building my own personal brand through social media.
Anything to add?
If anybody is debating pursuing higher education, just go for it and give it your all. Even though it’s hard, it will be stressful, but you’re going to be proud of how far you learn and grow and expand. It’s beautiful results after graduating.
I was also a recipient of the diversity inclusion scholarship. Dr. G called and let me know I was the recipient of the scholarship.
Dr. Marsh recently posted an Instagram video where she said she was the first Black female graduate from Midwestern University’s Chicago College of Optometry in Downers Grove, IL. View the post on Instagram.
