Glendale Midwestern optometry student among scholarship winners
By Tony Johns, Midwestern Office of Communications
Posted 10/11/22
A Glendale optometry student at Midwestern University is one of the first two beneficiaries of a scholarship from VSP Vision, the only national not-for-profit vision benefits company.
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By Tony Johns, Midwestern Office of Communications
A Glendale optometry student at Midwestern University is one of the first two beneficiaries of a scholarship from VSP Vision, the only national not-for-profit vision benefits company.
Rachel Piña of San Antonio, Texas, is enrolled at the Arizona College of Optometry on the Glendale campus at 19555 N. 59th Ave. She and Khalilah Brooks of Villa Park, Illinois, who attends the Chicago College of Optometry on Midwestern’s Downers Grove campus, each were awarded a $10,000 VSP Vision Diversity Admissions Scholarship to pursue a Doctor of Optometry degree from Midwestern.
“Annual eye exams often reveal other health issues, like high blood pressure and diabetes,” VSP Vision Vice President and Chief Diversity Officer Marvin Davenport shared in a news release. “But being unable to see a doctor who looks like you and understands the types of challenges specific to your community is often a barrier to seeking this essential preventive care. That’s why we believe diversifying the future of optometry is so important, and we’re excited to support first-year optometry students with this VSP Vision Diversity Admissions Scholarship.”
As Piña begins her coursework at the Arizona College of Optometry, she is grateful for the opportunity provided by VSP.
“This scholarship not only provides financial relief, but it also serves as a reminder to me that I have a group of people who believe in my success,” Piña shared. “It’s organizations like VSP Vision that remind students that we have a support system and that we have people and organizations investing in us because they believe we can do it.”
Piña completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Texas at San Antonio and is the first in her family to enroll in a graduate healthcare program.
“My mom has a high school education, and my dad has a ninth-grade education,” she said. “Both are Mexican immigrants and come from humble beginnings. I come from a family of five children and my parents encouraged us to continue with our education, reminding us every day that we can accomplish our dreams.”
