So I'm in the second week of school...the schedule is still not so bad, but we already have our first exam (Visual Psychophysics) next week. Just hearing that class name sound very intimidating, doesn't it? Visual Psychophysics, from what I heard, is one of the more challenging classes during the first year. But I'm also pretty concerned about Biochemistry, which packs two to three weeks worth of biochem into a single lecture (!!!). So yes, if you're an undergrad, make sure you know your stuff well because it will come back to haunt you in Optometry School!!!

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For the first week, the classes were just all introductory comments and there was nothing too complicated so far. However, I know that exams will begin two weeks from now. At SCCO, exams are held every week, with one to two exams per week (GASP!)...so of course, I took advantage of this week's light schedule to party. Here at SCCO, the students work really hard and do well, but also party even harder. So if you're into that thing, there are plenty of opportunities to have a lot of fun too, on top of all the studying.

Here is a club that me and some first years went to last night...it's a nice looking club at Long Beach called V2O:


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Here's a picture of the main lecture hall that all the students go to every day...it's actually one hall that can be divided into three parts (one each for the first, second, and third years):

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Classes started yesterday already, and so far everything seems very relaxed. Professors basically just gave introductory comments about their background and about the class. And there is only one lab this week, which gives helps us first years to gradually ease into school. But once classes really begin, my typical schedule usually runs from 9 AM - 4 PM, and Fridays I only have one class from 1-3 PM. Fairly simple schedule for now, but I know that there is going to be an increased workload in the upcoming terms. You can see the SCCO curriculum here:

http://www.scco.edu/acadprog/curriculum1.html

As you can see, the first year starts off at 19.5 units, then to 21.25, then to 21.5. I'm definitely not used to the amount of science classes they have here! But as discouraging as it looks, I learned from upperclassmen that the material itself is not too difficult - it's the huge volume that you have to learn. Well, we'll see about that...

Orientation, Day One (Friday 8/18):
We all met at the campus at 8 AM; first, pictures were taken for our ID/yearbook. Then we had some introductory speeches from some of the heads of the school, including the Dr. Walls, the president of SCCO. Afterwards, we were broken up into smaller groups and had time to ask questions and whatnot. Lunch was served, then the Student Association (the student govt. here at SCCO) was introduced. Pretty much a bland day, but it was awesome meeting a bunch of new people (although I did meet several classmates the night before at a potluck that one of the students organized). But the main highlight was Dr. Walls' office...it's definitely a jaw-dropping experience. If you've ever see it, you'll know exactly what I mean.

Orientation, Day Two (Saturday 8/19):
The class met at the student lounge at 9 AM for a continental breakfast. The orange juice was really bad!!! Don't drink the OJ! Then we had a short briefing from the Student Affairs office, filled out some forms for registration/financial aid, then picked up financial aid checks and books at the end. It was a pretty short day overall. Later that afternoon was a BBQ; friends and family were invited. While the friends and family toured the campus, the 1st years got to play a water balloon toss and other games. Later that night, the Phis (a fraternity here on campus) had a party for the 1st years - lots of free beer! Overall a fun day.

So school is starting on Monday the 21st...soooo hyped! Later this week, we're having a couple of welcome events for the first years, then another BBQ on Friday. Lots of events going on...it kinda reminds me of like how there was lots of things going on for Freshmen during undergrad.

This is my very first blog post, ever! I'm totally new to this whole blogging thing, so bear with me as I give you periodic updates on my life as an optometry student, from day one! I'm also pretty excited about this new website...I hope that you all tell your pre-optometry friends about this site and spread the word! Oh and of course, when I fix up the optometry student page, tell your optometry student friends too.

So as far as optometry school goes...I'm just waiting around until orientation starts this Friday, 8/19 (and continues on through Saturday 8/20 also). I won't make a post until I'm through with orientation so come back on Sunday or so for updates. Then on Monday 8/21, school is going to start! I'm pretty excited to start already since I love school a lot and I miss learning. How ironic though - yes, as much as we all hated studying for exams during undergrad, etc. But then watch as this blog progresses...I'm eventually going to be back to despising studying again. Argh.