By Catherine Lam
Southern California College of Optometry Class of 2029
Student Ambassador
Catherinelam.scco29@ketchum.edu
Growing up in a househol
d deeply rooted in healthcare, I always knew I wanted to follow in the footsteps of my dad, a physician, and my mom, a nurse. I spent countless hours in their private practice in East Los Angeles, witnessing how their compassionate care made a tangible difference among patients. Their journeys shaped not only who they became but also the way I view my own path.
Although my parents both built successful careers in the U.S., they came from very different worlds. My dad was born in China, spent his childhood in Cuba, and later completed medical school in Costa Rica before coming to the U.S. for residency. My mom grew up in Mexico and was inspired by my grandmother to become a nurse. Soon after moving to the U.S., she met my dad at work, and they have been together since then!
Learning about the hardships my parents overcame before creating stability in the U.S. helped me reflect on how I could build upon the opportunities they made possible for me. Watching their patient interactions inspired me to pursue a career in healthcare with the same compassion and resilience. Their work showed me that healthcare has the power to transform not just individual lives, but entire communities.
I’m grateful my parents supported every curiosity I had growing up—whether it was flute, horseback riding, art, gymnastics, or ballet! That freedom taught me to stay open-minded, even when it came to my career. At first, I thought I’d follow directly in my dad’s footsteps and go pre-med. My parents were excited about the idea, but they also encouraged me not to limit myself and to explore different options in healthcare.
That advice became especially meaningful during my senior year of high school. My mom scheduled an eye exam after noticing my vision worsened year after year. I went in expecting nothing unusual, but after dilation, the ophthalmologist found retinal tears and lattice degeneration. After undergoing laser treatments and learning about my diagnosis, I understood the importance of eye care—not only for my vision, but for my future. This experience sparked a deep appreciation for the field of vision science and inspired me to dedicate my career to protecting the sight of others.
From then on, I immersed myself in pre-health organizations, eventually serving as co-president of a pre-optometry club. I also sought out optometric work experiences and volunteered at a free clinic serving underserved communities to better prepare myself for my future profession. What fueled my determination was the lesson my parents lived by: resilience creates opportunities. With their support and encouragement, I now carry that lesson into my journey as an optometry student.