The
College of Optometry at UMSL has many distinct features, including small class
size, a wide array of externships, successful board pass rates, and high retention,
but one of the most defining characteristics is the family feel
atmosphere. Each year the college begins
the cycle of recruiting and admitting a new group of individuals from all over
the country, and even the world. This
year the College of Optometry is welcoming 49 new students to the Class of
2021. These students come together as
strangers and will leave as close friends and even extended members of one
another’s families by the time they graduate.
The
journey toward becoming this family begins in April at the Class Mixer, where
the students meet for the first time and get to know one another. Spouses, significant others, and even parents
are invited to the event; it provides the opportunity to know not only the
other students but also those who make up their support system. The class of 2021, along with their
families, met on April 21, 2017 at 2865 Brewhouse in St. Charles for a dinner
and drink reception, which allows the incoming class and their guests to meet
in a social environment. Porter Swartz was happy with the Friday night mixer.
“I really enjoyed the pre-mixer and found it helpful in getting to know my
classmates,” he said.
On
Saturday, April 22, 2017, the new students and their guests met for a day-long
event to learn more about UMSL including financial aid, student support
services, campus safety, campus recreation, and to initiate the journey of
looking for housing. “This weekend is
just the beginning for the incoming class to come together and get to know one
another better,” commented Director of Student and Alumni Services, Nick
Palisch. Many students agree that the
mixer is a great addition to getting to know their classmates for the next four
years. Meagan Dabbs agrees, “I
personally thought the mixer was a good way to get acquainted with people
before school in August, especially because we all live so far away.”
After
months of reading each other’s biographies on MyGateway and posting on the
Class Facebook page, the incoming class was able to meet for the first time.
Meeting other students before classes start in the fall allows them to be more
comfortable with each other in August. “The mixer allows for the students and
significant others to meet in a social setting to get to know each other
better. The mixer is equally important
for the significant others as they will be adjusting to the life of an
optometry student too,” commented Palisch.
The
class mixer concept is unique to the College of Optometry and is one of many
features that makes us different. Nicholas Holtzman, a Class of 2021 member
agrees, “Not only that, but a chance to meet and make a friend/ roommate. I
don't know of any other optometry school that does this. Dabbs agrees with Holtzman and points out
that what we do to engage our class is something that is not found in other
schools. “I think it's a valuable part of getting to know the class. My fiancés
class at Logan has no one to organize a "mixer" for them, so they are
just scrambling to come up with a meet up themselves,” she said.
Some
of the students traveled a long distance to meet for the first time but felt
the trip was well worth it. “The entire mixer really made me feel as if I were
becoming a part of the UMSL Optometry family and not just another student at a
university,” commented Holtzman.
Throughout
the summer, the class of 2021 will have several more opportunities to get
together as a group before they start classes in August.
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