Paige Gagnon '25 was excited to graduate from UHart’s College of Education, Nursing and Health Professions with a major in health sciences’ pre-optometry and minor in sociology. As an honors program ambassador, co-director of communications and administration for ENHP ambassadors, and a member of the dean’s student advisory council, Paige has made the most of her UHart experience—both inside and outside the classroom.
Her fascination with the eye goes far beyond vision. “The eye is a miniature window to the rest of the body,” Paige explains. “An eye exam can catch early symptoms of disease—not just in the eye, but throughout the body.”
UHart’s smaller class sizes, experiential learning environment, and abundant academic resources gave Paige the confidence and preparation she needed for her next chapter. She credits the pre-professional studies curriculum with helping her refine her interview skills, build a professional resume, and secure strong letters of recommendation. ENHP elective courses also provided her with valuable skills and certifications to strengthen her applications.
Paige was able to gain a wealth of real-world experience sophomore and junior years, working as an optometric technician in offices across Massachusetts and Connecticut. She interacted with patients, performed a variety of visual tests, and used advanced diagnostic equipment to detect and track eye diseases such as glaucoma and macular degeneration. “My favorite part was putting patients at ease—especially children or adults who had never had an eye exam before,” she says. “The experience prepared me greatly for my future career because I already know how to operate a variety of equipment and adapt to each doctor’s and patient’s needs.”
She is especially grateful to her mentor, Claudia Oakes, associate professor, health sciences, and Victoria “Vicki” Connors, college admissions manager, ENHP, who celebrated every milestone along the way.
In September, Paige will move to Boston to attend the New England College of Optometry, confident that UHart has prepared her for what lies ahead. “The small class sizes and close connections with professors were integral to my success. I don’t believe I would have had the same positive experience anywhere else,” she says.
Paige Gagnon ‘25, Health Sciences: Pre-Optometry, Minor in SociologyThe small class sizes and close connections with professors were integral to my success. I don’t believe I would have had the same positive experience anywhere else.