Originally Posted by
wmcdonald
Folks,
This poster is one who, like too many, have been placed in a position somewhere serving as a quasi-optician. They are completely self-taught and struggling. I know this is a board for Professionals, and they list themselves as such, but in reality, in their words to me, they are not even an apprentice. In the past, as many are aware, I'd be the FIRST one to jump on this. But something in this on tells me the poster has a sincere interest. I've offered to help! I hope we do as we have and support this individual.
Since I am here:
Some have emailed, asking where I have been. I became excessively frustrated with the entire community. Opticianry has floundered for too long, and I was close to calling it a day. But something happened! I was invited by lifelong friends to attend the OAA Leadership Conference. It was here in NC, so to visit people that mean a lot to me, we trekked up the mountain. I expected little, but I am proud to share that I was pleasantly surprised!
I met some young bloods, that have a sincere desire to make this a better place. To improve this profession that has meant so much to me. As I checked in, a young lady approached Kaye and I, and I didn't know her. But she had just posted on LinkedIn PROUDLY, that she had completed her Master's Certificate through the ABO! As usual, I sent her an atta-girl on the site. I investigated online and found a person with a solid educational background (MPH, etc.), and SHE CHOSE to be an Optician. It's folks like Cira Collins from Oregon, who is working to reinvigorate the association up there, we need to lead us to a future we can really be proud of! Se has started doing some lecturing at CE events, and I encourage you to see her!
I already knew Wesley Scott, new OUTSTANDING new President of the SC Association. He introduced me to the fabulous Jayne Sommers, another with a strong desire to push us up the hill. I met Kimberly Vohsen, starting a new Opticians Association in Missouri, Illinois and Indiana!
I left that meeting with a sense or renewal. In the coming months, I will be announcing some news related to Opticianry and education. I am going to seek out some of you who I know are very bright and want to help move us forward. Look for it! George, Brian, and others, you know I'm talking to you!
We have renewed leadership, and it's time to go back to work for this old boy!
I took us away from the original poster for a moment, but I do hope we can rally around this individual.
I wish you all the very best!
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