Helen Zhong and her family immigrated to the U.S. from Jiangmen, China when she was 3 years old. They settled in Arlington, Tennessee. As a first-generation college student starting her third year at Southern College of Optometry (SCO), she finds inspiration for patient care in how she was received as a child.
FINDING HER PASSION
Zhong’s interest in optometry started early. As an elementary school student and patient at The Eye Center at SCO, she was fascinated by how carefully the optometry students performed eye exams. She wanted to know everything—how the tests worked, what they meant and how she could one day help others in the same way.
By high school, she was fully committed to a career in health care with a growing passion for optometry. Shadowing practicing optometrists solidified her choice. “In optometry, I found a promising work-life balance, the option to provide specialized care and meaningful connections with patients,” Zhong says. “The prospect of providing optimal care for my patients while establishing profound relationships felt like the ideal fit.”
LIFE IN MEMPHIS
Zhong lives in downtown Memphis, just a half hour from her hometown. She enjoys soaking in the “rich culture, delectable food and warm Southern hospitality that Memphis has to offer.” She lives with her boyfriend, Nam, who is studying medicine at the University of Tennessee Health Science Center (UTHSC). The two met during their undergraduate years at the University of Tennessee in Knoxville and are now navigating the challenges of graduate school together. “It’s comforting to share a common language of medical jargon,” Zhong says. Both schools are conveniently close, allowing them to study or grab lunch together most days. Plus, the short drive home means Zhong sees her family often, too. “Nothing beats the comfort of a home-cooked meal,” she says.
EXPLORING INTERESTS
In addition to her studies, Zhong works as a freelance photographer. She finds a fascinating connection between photography and optometry. “Both professions contribute to enhancing clients’ self-confidence through the transformative power of a lens,” she explains. “Whether it’s the clarity and confidence gained through vision or the ability of a camera lens to highlight one’s best features, both play a role in boosting confidence.”
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Some of Zhong’s photography portfolio.
As a Student Ambassador at SCO, Zhong often gives tours to new applicants. It’s not just about showing off the school; it’s a chance for her to share her deep love for both SCO and Memphis. “Memphis and SCO have made a profound impact on my life,” she says. “From being a patient at SCO’s Eye Center as a child to becoming a student here, it’s been a full-circle journey.”
Known as a “true extrovert” and the “life and planner of the party,” Zhong also enjoys sharing her favorite food spots and crowd-pleasing recipes with the new students.
THE CHANCE TO MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Zhong is also drawn to optometry for its potential to impact overall health. “By identifying systemic diseases early on, optometrists have the power to intervene before they escalate,” she says. We can help preserve our patients’ vision and contribute significantly to their overall health.”
Her current focus is on specializing in ocular disease and low vision, areas that intrigue her the most. But she knows she couldn’t do it without her network of support. “The unwavering support of my friends in school has been a driving force in keeping me motivated,” Zhong says. “Studying together isn’t just about passing an exam; it’s an opportunity to teach and learn from one another.”
FINDING BALANCE
If she could talk to her younger self, Zhong would say, “I am incredibly proud of your achievements and the remarkable journey you’ve undertaken. Your determination and hard work have propelled you to achieve every goal you set for yourself.” She emphasizes the importance of slowing down to appreciate the journey and the milestones. “Sometimes we have to remind ourselves that we are not only students but young adults,” she says. She and her friends often explore new restaurants in Memphis, enjoying the vibrant food scene as a way to unwind.
Optometry school, she notes, presents challenges distinct from those of high school and undergrad. “While excelling academically is crucial, it’s equally essential to recognize that you are aspiring to be the best doctor, not just the best student,” she advises. Mistakes are part of the learning process, and she encourages embracing them as opportunities to grow.
One highlight of her journey so far was a summer trip after her first year at SCO to Merida, Mexico, where she and her classmates provided free eye exams to individuals with limited or no health insurance. “Despite having only a year of optometry school under my belt, I was surprised at how many steps of an eye exam I already knew how to perform,” she says. The experience boosted her confidence in her clinical skills and reinforced the practical application of her education.
LOOKING AHEAD
Zhong’s goal is to earn her doctorate in optometry and establish herself in a practice where she can see a diverse range of patients. She knows that building confidence will require years of practice and exposure to numerous cases, but she’s ready for the challenge. “I see it as a worthwhile goal to strive for in my professional journey,” she says, embracing each patient encounter as an opportunity for growth and learning.
