Boston, MA
Age
27
Gender
Female
Religion
Jewish
Hobbies and interests
Hiking And Backpacking
Travel And Tourism
Art
Dance
Concerts
Health Sciences
Exploring Nature And Being Outside
Medicine
Mental Health
Russian
True Crime
Kayaking
Skydiving
Snorkeling
Cooking
Music
Reading
Academic
I read books multiple times per week
US CITIZENSHIP
US Citizen
LOW INCOME STUDENT
Yes
FIRST GENERATION STUDENT
Yes
Victoria Baram
945
Bold Points1x
Finalist1x
WinnerVictoria Baram
945
Bold Points1x
Finalist1x
WinnerBio
Being the first generation in my family to graduate college, I am super grateful to have had both my parents migrate from underprivileged communities in Russia to give us a better life.
I am currently a 3rd year at the New England College of Optometry and was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes in my 2nd year of Optometry School during the finals week of my fall semester. No one in my family has T1D, so I had no knowledge of how to manage it, let alone the time to figure it all out. With school becoming increasingly demanding, I made the scary but necessary decision to put my health first at the beginning of my 3rd year. I decided to take medical leave for a year, and it was the best decision I could have made for myself. I finally had the time to attend my endocrinology appointments, diabetes education, and nutrition classes to learn how to properly manage the disease. It took this life-altering situation to help me find my strength again, and I am so thankful for it.
I have my ups and downs, but I can proudly say I have made strides in my diabetic journey and plan to continue improving and persevering past any obstacles that stand in my way.
I am pleased to say I am re-enrolled as a student and am continuing to learn and grow every day. Although this diagnosis has been challenging, I am thankful and excited to be able to offer some extra love, empathy, and understanding when treating patients living with Diabetes now as a student and future Doctor of Optometry.
Education
New England College of Optometry
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)Majors:
- Optometry
University of Central Florida
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Health Professions and Related Clinical Sciences, Other
GPA:
3.8
Career
Dream career field:
Optometrist
Dream career goals:
President
Pre-Optometry Association at UCF2017 – 20181 yearVice President
Pre-Optometry Association at UCF2016 – 20171 yearSecretary
Pre-Optometry Association at UCF2015 – 20161 yearOphthalmic technician
Ophthalmic Consultants of Boston2021 – 20221 year
Public services
Volunteering
VOSH Southest — Sorting, cleaning, collecting, and organizing glasses for shipment of donated glasses to underprivileged communities and to be taken on Mission trips.2015 – 2019Volunteering
Mustard Seed Clothing and Furniture Bank — Organize the warehouse and get furniture and clothing boxed up for delivery to under-privileged communities.2017 – 2019